Social Class systems - Essay Example

Social groupings are controversial. Some people do not believe in the existence of social es and vice versa. Sociologists view a social class as people who occupy the same position in the economic system of production. Anyone looking at the American society cannot fail to notice the major differences in wealth, prestige, material possessions and income. The issue of class tends to be a touchy one because America does not have defined systems of inherited honors, titles and ranks(Eicher,1989). This is because most Americans belong to a modern rather than traditional society, so social classes change with changes in generations.

Studies conducted show that forty two percent of men born in the bottom five social classes stay that way when they become adults. To add to the figures, just eight percent of Americans born at the bottom, rise to the top. From this figures it is safe to argue that contrary to popular belief, America is in fact a caste social system.There are various reasons for this argument, the first being that the country has a thin safety net to cushion children from poverty, therefore less class mobility.

We find that in most poor children are raised by single parents, a factor which increases poverty levels. This is compounded, by racial discrimination which leaves most people of color, especially African Americans vulnerable and poor, compared to the other races. The second reason is that in our society, education is enables one to get a higher salary. This leaves people from poor families at a disadvantage because upper income parents invest more in their children’s education to increase their chances of success in life.

The children of the high income earners go to the best schools and are prepared to learn. It is safe to argue that most people at the top are there due to their backgrounds, more than merit. Ours is therefore a system of the poor remaining poor and the other way round. The kind of education you get how the police treat you and even who you get married to, is largely influenced by your social class.ReferencesEichar, D. (1989). Occupation and Class Consciousness in America. Connecticut: Greenwood Publishers.