Chapter Eight: Social Class and Social Stratification
In today's society, everyone would like to believe that we all have equal opportunities for jobs, friends, and judgement by others based off of our personality and character. That is not true, however. Whether or not we would like to admit it, all of us are judged based upon our social class via our clothes, car, accessories, or "symbols". Class is very apparent in every society and is often seen through our outer appearance. I live in a sorority, and, unfortunately, Greek Row can be a judgmental place. The example about "Vera Bradley" bags being a status symbol is very true. Many girls have never heard of the brand, but upon seeing "Vera Bradley" bags everywhere, immediately purchase a bag. Owning the floral, cotton bag shows that they know what is in style and chic. Due to my experience with class establishments and status symbols first hand, I found this chapter very interesting.
Another aspect of this chapter that I found fascinating was the section about poverty in the United States. I have worked first hand with low income families during my internship at the Women Infant and Children Clinic. The book's statement about a rising rate of women in poverty is true according to my experience. Most of the clients were single mothers.
While working in the clinic, I always wondered what caused poverty and why it seems so hard to escape. The "Causes of Poverty" section helped me better understand some theories as to why so many people are stuck in the poverty cycle. I believe that the culture of poverty and structural causes both have some validity.
Many families experience poverty from generation to generation. The poverty lifestyle is the only way of life that these people know. They learn from their parents how to get by on a day to day basis and often end up like the generations before them. Some people in poverty have a window of escape: college, military, a good job. Many people seize the opportunity to leave their prior lifestyle. However, as I have seen, many pass up the offer because change and taking chances can be scary. I do not believe that they are lazy or have poor work ethic, but because of habit and comfort, many people continue to live in the poverty cycle.
Poverty
The rate of poverty is surprising. Millions of people suffer from a lack of adequate income. Since the economy is in such a slump, there is an increase in people under the poverty line. History repeats itself, however. America has suffered from repression before, and can climb back out of hard times. An article online provides ideas and solutions from history on ways to help those in poverty.
http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2007/05poverty_haskins.aspx
Because I was blessed enough to have never had to worry about money, I find myself not comprehending that poverty is very real and affecting those around me. I cannot imagine living in the conditions that so many people are forced to live in. Thankfully, my eyes were opened this summer when I worked for the Women Infant and Children Clinic. Working at WIC showed me how very real poverty can be. Many of the families had unstable living conditions, did not own a dining room table, and could not afford to purchase needed items at the grocery store. WIC is an incredible program that is dedicated to helping low income families feed themselves and their young children. The USDA website further explains the details of the WIC program. Check it out!
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
I have often wondered whether or not there are "pockets" of poverty. I am from rural northern Idaho where most of the families are living on minimal paychecks. According the median income map on page 188 of the book, there are areas of the United States that are poorer than others. Southern Texas, eastern Arizona, the Mississippi delta, and most of the Appalachian states all have the lowest median incomes. But why?
One documentary I watched several years ago gave a personal look at the lives of the poor living in the Kentucky Appalachian mountains. This might be the most eye opening documentary I have ever seen and is very worth looking at.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW_XdT6jCNg
Class and Status Symbols
As stated earlier, class status is easily recognized by the accessories we wear, the cars we drive, and the clothes in our closet. Vera Bradley bags, an example from my experience and the book, shows that owning a designer name can elevate your social status. I find it ironic that cotton bags with a pretty pattern can be sold so expensively just because of the designer. Cotton bags are easy to make and usually cheap to find; however, since Bradley is a big name, her bags sell for an enormous amount. Here is a link to her website to take a look at the type of merchandise she creates:
http://www.verabradley.com/
The above photo is an add for Nordstrom, a high end department store. In the northwest, shopping at Nordstrom is a definite fashion status symbol. Shopping here shows you have money, class, and a high social status.
"Anybody that thinks money will make you happy, hasn't got money," -David Geffen
A Crossword to Test Your Vocabulary
