1. Similarities and Differences in Readings 4.1 and 4.2

Both readings talk about social class, but in slightly different ways. The first article focuses on how people see themselves based on their income and education, even if their real situation might be different. It’s about how people feel they fit into a class, like working class or middle class.

Whereas, the second article looks at income differences between neighborhoods in New York City, using the subway to show how wealth changes from one area to the next. It focuses on the real differences in income, not just how people feel about their class.

2. Social Class in Jamaica, Queens (F Line)

In Jamaica, Queens, where the median income in 2011 was $47,813, most people would likely be considered working class or lower-middle class. This makes sense because many people in the area work essential jobs or in services. I’m not surprised by this, and I think it reflects the mix of hard-working families and professionals living in the neighborhood.

I have chosen to write about Jamaica, Queens for two reasons. I currently live in Jersey City, NJ so my neighborhood was not a part of this article. I had no stats to begin with but previously until about a few months ago, I used to live in Mid-wood, Brooklyn. Which is on the Q line of the subway at Ave H. I wanted to write about that neighborhood but unfortunately our link was having technical difficulties. https://projects.newyorker.com/story/subway/

Instead I used this article link for the questions and used the stats for Jamaica- Queens from the Professor’s video. Here is the article link. https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/idea-of-the-week-inequality-and-new-yorks-subway.

3. General Pattern of Social Classes in NYC

Article 4.2 of the New Yorker shows that income inequality in New York City is extreme. Wealthy neighborhoods are often very close to much poorer areas. Manhattan generally has wealthier residents, while parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx have lower-income families. The subway highlights these big differences in income across the city. Being fairly new to this city and country I have noticed all these first hand as well. In my opinion, the lower income neighborhoods seem to be neglected as well by governing bodies. Where more help is needed, less help is given. Whether it is infrastructure or fundings, it seems that wealthier neighborhoods have been given more support than those who need it the most.