Social Class Vs Lower Class

Social class has been a part of American culture for centuries. It is determined by many variables and continues to be an influence today. Business Dictionary defines social class as “a status hierarchy in which individuals and groups are classified on the basis of esteem and prestige acquired mainly through economic success and accumulation of wealth.” (Business Dictionary) Although some may not consider themselves within a particular social class, the reality is that we all fall into a category. Some are considered rich upper class, well to do middle class, or poor lower class. Social scientists have developed two major factors that make this determination. The first being the resources and life opportunities one may have based upon income …show more content…
They possess little or no education, some due to the responsibility of helping to support their family. They work low paying blue collar jobs and most do not have health or life insurance, or any other substantial assets. They possess minimal spending power, and their daily priority is to provide basic needs for themselves and their families, such as food, clothes, housing, and etcetera. Others are unemployed and depend on the social welfare system. They are commonly born poor with no inheritance. Most lower class members have no wealthy or privileged social contacts and they too congregate amongst those of mutual economic and social status. It is nearly impossible for a lower class member to enter into the upper or middle class due to their poverty cycle and life experiences. Most live in poor, crime, and substance abuse infested areas where they are exposed to excessive amounts of criminal behavior, which is typically replicated in their life. Some will never travel the world, leave their state, or even their neighborhood. They have been limited and left to perpetuate this lifestyle within each generation. Lower class members typically possess a low self image with goals and aspirations set below the other classes. Like the middle class, even if one were to become wealthy, they would remain socially unacceptable according to the upper class and gain none of the privileges they …show more content…
For instance, in Robert Reich’s documentary, Inequality For All, he explains that the upper class consists of 1% of this country, but control 98% of its wealth. (2014) They own the large corporations and industries that accumulate money in America. Many of them believe they are noble as they seemingly provide jobs for the middle and lower class. Unfortunately, having such a large amount of wealth concentrated into the hands of a few has proven to be