Social Class in America

The facts regarding social class in America are blurred in the sense that this is a rather controversial topic. Whatever your thoughts are on social class in America, the fact is there is, always has been, and always will be different social classes in America. What is Social Class? Dictionary.com defines social class as “a broad group in society having economic, cultural, or political status.” An individual’s income being different than another individual’s income is an example of economic social class. Cultural social class is the difference between the majority and minority of ethnicities in one’s community, region, or country. And finally, political social class is the difference between an individual’s political views in comparison to another individual’s political views.

The social class in America has changed with each decade. In the ‘30s, social class was dependant mainly on financial status, and it changed as the economy fluctuated and individual’s finances changed. A wealthy individual affected dramatically by The Great Depression for the worse experience change in their social class. People found themselves on the same level as those who were previously socially ‘beneath’ them. In the sixties, when peace and equality began to fight its way to the surface, social class was being threatened as things began to change economically, culturally, and politically. In the last five to ten years, social class has fluctuated with the fluctuations in economics, the increase or decrease of cultural differences, and as politics began to rage its own battle as it continues today. The changes have affected families differently, and some may not realize the effects. These changes have been affected by the economic stability that America experienced in the ‘90s, as well as the cultural growth that brought more people and diverse ideas to the country.The past election has brought an outpouring of change to social class as the current recession has caused a higher rate of unemployment across the nation and political control has forced local and federal governments to make cuts in programs that aided the lower class.

There are different classifications that define social class. You can ‘Google’ the term social class to find these different classifications and use that to determine the social class you might be considered a party of. The changes that have affected the status of social classes make it imperative to find the classification that fits your family for today. You may be surprised that it has changed with time and circumstances. The concept of social class is not often considered by the average person and social class may not seem as important today as it was years ago. Understanding ones social class may help an individual be more aware of real life situations that are directly affected by social class. In business or personal situations social class may be affected by the annual income, taxation, and size of your family. Many people have taken their status and improved it from when they were young and classified by their parents’ social class. As the next generation grows into the role, they will find themselves improving their own social class and building a future that redefines the social classes in America today.