Introduction
A society is not a homogeneous formation: people tend to constitute unequal subgroups known as classes. Whether a person belongs to the upper strata or comes from the lower ones determines their success or failure to a certain extent. Equipped with a corresponding set of values, norms, and preferences, individuals may either reach their goals easily or overcome prejudice and make much effort to attain their objectives. This paper will describe the phenomenon of social classes and explore how class affiliation affects life chances and goals achievement.
Social Classes Review
A social class is a set of concepts focused on hierarchical social categories, namely the upper, middle, and lower classes (Schaefer, 2012). Traditionally, the economic status is the main criterion to single out classes. The upper class refers to the small percentage of the wealthiest people; the middle class, as the term implies, is in the middle of the ranking; working class persons involved in subordinate work economically depend on wages only. The underclass is at the very bottom of the hierarchy.
Factors to Determine Social Classes
Apart from money, three factors make an impact on social stratification and, consequently, attribution to a certain class: power, education, and prestige (Social Stratification, n.d.). As a rule, those who possess resources can exercise their power while the poorest layers cannot. In case a person has significant power, they are likely to come from the upper class. Excellent education is also associated with a higher position. Upper-class students have more opportunities to enter prestigious schools and universities, attend various courses, pay for extra lessons with private tutors, and buy books and other materials. In comparison, lack of education may signal that a person was born to a working class family and had to work instead of studying. Finally, the prestige of one’s job also helps understand to what social class a person belongs. A good education offers a wide range of career opportunities and influences income. Occupation is closely connected with prestige since people commonly evaluate each other according to what they do (Social Stratification, n.d.). Thus, four factors determine social classes.
Social Class and Goals Achievement
My family background is the middle class. I suppose this golden mean is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, inactivity will ruin all potentials: I cannot afford to do nothing and waste my good life chances. Middle-class affiliation has already helped achieve my goals to a large extent: for example, my education was a remarkable life experience, and I am not going to leave it at that. However, owing to my class position, I may seize many opportunities at the moment. In this context, it is significant to work hard, receive education, cultivate relations with people, look for the information I need, and estimate my endeavors. Fortunately, I have enough resources to implement my plans, and now action is needed. Still, there is an obstacle: I need to control my supplies and not to split my efforts because my resources are sufficient but limited. Overall, my middle-class heritage is advantageous yet demanding: it helps with financial issues and educational possibilities but imposes responsibility. I should not forget about my peers who have the same life chances and aspirations and people from the lower class who are eager to succeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wealth, power, education, and prestige are the key factors in terms of social classes. Totaled up, they help understand people’s social background. Classes exert a strong impact on life chances and achieving goals: for instance, the middle-class background gives favorable opportunities and demands careful planning of one’s resources management.
References
Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Sociology: A brief introduction. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Social Stratification. (n.d.). Web.