Social Stratification: What class do I fall into?

Social stratification is the division of people into different classes. These classes are the upper class, middle class and the lower class. These classes are comprised of different people based on many things such as where they grew up (neighborhood), how much money their parents made, what religion they follow, etc…

Even though all of us fall into one of the three above classes, most of us would say we a part of the middle class and not the lower or upper class. Nobody wants to be part of the lower class for obvious reasons, but also, not many would want to appear "snobbish" by classifying themselves as part of the upper class. According to a recent survey from the National Center for Opinion Research, 36% of people earning less than $15,000 per year call themselves middle class. Of those who make $35-50,000 per year, half call themselves middle class. And finally, of those making over $75,000 per year, 71% call themselves middle class.

It would appear that a very high percentage of Americans would classify themselves as middle class.

Can those who fall into the category of lower or middle class move up into the upper class? I think it all depends on the person. Social mobility, the process of moving up or down in society can be challenging (well at least the upward movement). In order for a person to move up in society, they need resources. They need a decent paying job, access to a bank or other financial institution for education loans and other things, and they need to have the desire to move up. If a person lacks the desire or will to try hard enough, they will not succeed.

This does not mean that every person with the desire to move up in society will be successful. This process can still be challenging and will have it's casualties. Perseverance is the key to success.

Duffy, Vincent. "Who Is the Middle Class?" WKSU: A Service of Kent State University. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. .

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