Sociology - Admission/Application Essay Example

Consequences of Social Stratification The traditional American society is believed to have a simple three model that includes the “rich”, the “middle class”, and the “poor.” In the strictest sense, this classification is greatly affected by wealth, income, education, type of occupation, and membership in a specific subculture or social network (Gilbert, 1998). However, each class in the modern American society can be classified in three categories which are: upper, middle, and lower classes.

These class models feature an upper or capitalist class consisting of the rich and powerful, an upper middle class consisting of highly educated and well-paid professionals, a lower middle class consisting of college-educated professional sales and office assistants, a working class constituted by clerical and blue collar workers whose work is highly routinized, and a lower class divided between the working poor and underclass (Gilbert et. al., 2002). Social stratification in the American society establishes the different social class that which is used in analyzing the economic equality and equality of the country.

It is as well utilized to study the existence of equality and inequality in gender and race, not only in the US society, but in other nations in the same manner.Social stratification distinguishes inequality in the society. As an example, people in similar positions grow similarly in their thinking as well as in their lifestyles, even up to the clothes they wear or fashion. There is a distinct and continuous gradation of high and low among individuals in a particular society. This agreed with my personal observation in the neighborhood where I belong to.

It is a community of people composed of professionals, students, laborers and unemployed. In this kind of society, one can observe that most of the leaders in the community are from the professional class. They are looked up to by the other members of the society and their advice and opinion about societal issues and legal matters are considered important views. More too often, their opinions are considered to be the best. When there is a gathering for example, you can see that there is somewhat a special treatment for these people.

The same field of work also means the same interests. Therefore, young professionals and students tend to form their own class. I can also add that age is another factor that affects social stratification. People of the same age tend to form a group since they have the same types of activities, sense of fashion and even sort of entertainment.I would say that socio- economic status is still the primary factor that affects social stratification. It causes inequality in the society since one’s economic capacity dictates what a person can afford, his/her activities, and the social circle he/she is affiliated to.

Different stratifications in the society can result to conflict since individuals from different group or classes might clash in terms of ideas and principles. It is therefore more appropriate to conclude that there is a more harmonious relationship in a neighborhood where people came from a homogeneous class. According to Thompson and Hickey (2005) “It is impossible to understand peoples behavior without the concept of social stratification, because class position has a pervasive influence on almost everything- the clothes we wear, the television shows we watch, the colors we paint our homes in and the names we give our pets.

Our position in the social hierarchy affects our health, happiness, and even how long we will live.” Social class in one way or another distributes the members of the society into varying importance, influence and prestige. This is true not only in the American society, but in every society in general. Even societies belonging to the Third World also has a distinct social class. The gap between the rich and the poor is also implied by social stratification. However, they have the worst case of “below poverty line” classification.

This is regardless of race. Social stratification actually starts in an interracial basis. It is what determines the status quo of an individual.Reference:Gilbert, Dennis. The American Class Structure. 1998. Pine Forge Press. March 09, 2010. William T. & Hickey, J. Society in Focus, An Introduction to Sociology. 2005. Allyn and Bacon/Longman. March 9, 2010.