An individual’s life in American society is defined by many predetermined factors. Most often determined before we were born, by the lives led by those before us creating a caste society. Our society along with many others strive to achieve a level of economic and social status based on obtaining levels of wealth, health care, career or education status and being able to participate in activities defined by ones class. In America this is termed the American dream. These levels however are not achieved or presented to everyone equally within our society. Achieving these levels of status is based on the life chances presented to an individual. More often or not however to obtain all of these is quite rare.
Life chances are the opportunities we create or are presented to us throughout our lives. Social characteristics can define, boost and limit our chances. Specifically race and class status can greatly change those chances creating an inequality of opportunity. While these individually create challenges, together they greatly change ones future. For example if an …show more content…
Race in sociological terms is defined as a system that classifies people who share common descent based on their visible innate physical similarities. While class is defined as a group of people who share a similar position within society based on their economic status. (Manza 2013, pgs. 218 & 241) The social stratification that is present in American society is so prevalent it is visible to the naked eye. Manza discusses the concept of social roles and how it provides power and privilege. Specifically he states “As an individual, where you fall in the social hierarchies in the society you are living likely either enhances or diminishes your chances for achieving what you hope out of life (and may even limit your aspirations).”(Manza 2013,
Life chances are the opportunities we create or are presented to us throughout our lives. Social characteristics can define, boost and limit our chances. Specifically race and class status can greatly change those chances creating an inequality of opportunity. While these individually create challenges, together they greatly change ones future. For example if an …show more content…
Race in sociological terms is defined as a system that classifies people who share common descent based on their visible innate physical similarities. While class is defined as a group of people who share a similar position within society based on their economic status. (Manza 2013, pgs. 218 & 241) The social stratification that is present in American society is so prevalent it is visible to the naked eye. Manza discusses the concept of social roles and how it provides power and privilege. Specifically he states “As an individual, where you fall in the social hierarchies in the society you are living likely either enhances or diminishes your chances for achieving what you hope out of life (and may even limit your aspirations).”(Manza 2013,