Social Class (Stratification), Essay Example

Discuss the extent to which “life chances” are impacted by class in the United States. Feel free to share your opinions, but also try to incorporate some of what learned so far .Reference at least 4 key concepts (2 from chapter 9 and two from other chapters)

Class in the US can be seen from different angles and perspectives. There is a clear economically based social stratification in the United States that has greatly impacted on the ability of one to access or gain control to wealth and other resources in the country. For instance, while over 35% of the total wealth in the country is controlled by the super-rich who are barely 1% of the entire population, the majority of the population controls slightly less than 30% of the wealth (Long 2010). The impact this setup has had on our society is evident at the time of suffrage when they have the capability of mobilizing their vast resources to gain control of power.

Another way in which class has impacted the access to life chances is through the incessant inequality in the society. The persistent inequality has created the haves and have-nots and in between a link that connects them is poverty. Misrepresentation of the capitalist ideology has carefully been introduced into the model to create a source of benefit to the haves. In addition, the poverty works by guaranteeing the haves more control when they solicit for social goodwill from the have-nots for a promise of reciprocation through some form of emancipation while getting backups from those who feel that poverty is a social necessity and necessary functional parameter for the society (Long 2010).

In the justice system we find another form of illustration for our case. Crime and law enforcement have had their share of the impact of class in our society. The upper class has an upper hand when it comes to legal representation and the crimes committed by those in upper class do not receive much attention. On the contrary, the poor easily receive punishment for the crimes they commit.

Works Cited

Long R. “Social Class (Stratification)” September 6, 2010 Accessed on: from URL: http://www.delmar.edu/socsci/rlong/intro/class.htm