Social stratification in American society is not defined or clearly defined; However, the sociologist has developed a socio-economic typology of American society. Americans believe in a three-class society: the rich, the poor, and the middle class. Most Americans consider themselves middle class. In fact, American society is more diverse and contradictory, and there is a huge difference between people. The basic determinants that make up social class are wealth, education, income, and occupation. Some sociologists have divided American society into six distinct classes including: rich or upper class, upper middle class, lower middle class, lower class, poor and subclass.
It is believed that people belonging to the same social class share similar social attitudes, ways of thinking, and similar lifestyles; Others oppose this idea and believe that we cannot generalize the characteristics of people to each other. Social class creates a hierarchy and identity for the people of each class.
One of the indicators of social class in America is income in terms of the individual or the family, and it is one of the most important indicators of social class. Families with two income earners are in a better position. Per capita income which means the amount of money allocated to each individual is also another important determinant of social stratification. It can be said that families with fewer members are in a better position.
Another indicator of social stratification is education, which is related to occupation and income. Higher education itself requires money and tuition, so it is clear that families who are better off can most of the time provide a better education for their children: they can pay for better schools, private schools, colleges and universities. As a result, there is a correlation between money and education.
Culture is one of the salient features of social class: people of the same social class tend to have similar ways of behaving; Although this behavior and culture is not a fix and change with social mobility: people who move up or down their social classes will acquire the behavior of that social group. But there is diversity within the same social group as well. An important term in American culture and literature is the concept of “class ascension”: based on this concept, each successive generation will have a higher standard of living than its predecessors. Another important characteristic of American social class is the achievement of status rather than the prescribed statuesque; This means that regardless of one’s original statues, one can become rich and successful and climb the social ladder. But in reality, this idealistic view cannot be entirely true: many people of color still suffer from racial prejudice and as a result cannot obtain the proper education and good career that is perhaps the most important component of class. These people have lower incomes and the cycle will continue for subsequent generations. Despite existing injustices and inequalities, America is a land of opportunity, a land whose streets are paved with gold. Thinking that this belief was exaggerated, the Americans improved their economic situation through their hard work and perseverance.
