1.The similarities that are discussed in reading 4.1 and 4.2 is the way social class is distinguished from each other in New York city. In both readings we can identify that it speaks about higher ,middle ,and lower class in which are identified by economic status . The difference that I noticed is that reading 4.1 adds educational level to the social class but in 4.2 we can see that it only distinguishes class based on economic states, most specifically your yearly income. 

2.I’m not surprised about this graph because it distinguished brooklyn,queens,and manhattan based on income which is fair because most people that live by soho or west village definitely have a higher income than a person like me that lives in brooklyn .In the graph that Professor Artinian showed of train F we can see that mostly the graph it’s really high in manhattan compared to queens where the income doesn’t go above 50k ; in delancey street the graph gets low because most people that live by delancey street in manhattan right next to the williamsburg bridge live in projects but crossing the bridge towards williamsburg where the Domino park is located the income since to be higher since there’s no projects around that area.( the graph wasn’t working for me so I used what the professor showed)

3.After reading 4.1 and 4.2 I noticed that social class is based more on economic power, basically on how deep are your pockets .I noticed that the wealthier communities are around more prestige neighborhoods of new york city compared to the lower class communities are at lower income areas of new york city like brownsville , delancey street,dyckman ect.This graphs emphasizes how subway stations distinguish economic disparities and social class around new york city.

When I compared the articles, I noticed that both really highlight how social class shapes our identities and how we view ourselves and others. They both also talk about important factors like income and education. However, they approach the topic in different ways. In the article “What Determines How Americans Perceive Their Social Class?” they take a broader look at how social class is perceived across the whole U.S. using survey data. On the other hand, the subway reading focuses on New York City, showing how access to transportation impacts social inequalities. This specific focus makes it feel more relatable and highlights how our location can shape our experiences with social class.

The Bronx is a diverse borough with a rich history and a strong sense of community. I am proud to call it my home, especially because of the easy access to the 5 train station. This busy subway stop is always bustling with activity, with commuters rushing to catch their trains or shopping at the nearby stores.The social class in my neighborhood is predominantly middle class, with a mix of homeowners and residents living in public housing projects. Despite the economic diversity, there are plenty of job opportunities available for those willing to work hard and pursue their goals. The Bronx is a place of opportunity, with numerous educational institutions and training programs to help residents further their careers and improve their quality of life.

2. The closest station where I live is the 1 train in 125th street, I believe the social class that live around that area is lower class. Around 125th street there are a lot of project buildings that were built years ago for people and families with low income, There’s also a lot of schools and parks for kids to attend. I notice that around that area they have a lot of restaurants and stores for people to go out and eat and shop. I do believe it’s a accurate representation of the people living in my neighborhood because a lot of people who are in the lower class can actually afford to live in 125th street because of the help they get in this area compared to a area like lower manhattan where apartments are more expensive for them.

(For question 1&3 4.2 link did not work)

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.

1. The two readings discuss social class from different perspectives but share similarities in
   their exploration of how the class is differentiated.

Similarities:
Focus on Socioeconomic Factors: Both readings highlight income as a significant determinant of
social class. Reading 4.1 emphasizes income, wealth, education, and occupation as critical variables
for defining social class. Similarly, Reading 4.2 shows the extreme income inequality in New
York City, illustrating how income shifts between neighborhoods.
Hierarchical Structure: Both readings acknowledge the existence of a class hierarchy. Reading
4.1 discusses how Americans self-identify across various classes (lower, working, middle, and
upper) while Reading 4.2 highlights income gaps that naturally create societal hierarchies.

Differences:
Subjective vs. Objective Approach: Reading 4.1 primarily discusses social class regarding
subjective self-identification—how people perceive and categorize themselves. In contrast,
Reading 4.2 takes a more objective approach by using statistical data (such as median household
income along subway stations) to describe income inequality.
Geographical Context: Reading 4.2 focuses specifically on New York City and how income
inequality varies across its boroughs and neighborhoods, using subway lines as a reference. Conversely, Reading 4.1 looks at the broader national perspective of social class identification
in the U.S. without focusing on specific locations.
In essence, both readings reflect how social class is shaped by income, but they diverge in their
methods—subjective perception in Reading 4.1 versus concrete data in Reading 4.2.

2. Living near Crown Heights station in Brooklyn, I’ve observed a diverse range of people,
   which mirrors the social class complexity discussed in Reading 4.1. Based on subjective and objective social class concepts, I would say that Crown Heights likely
   includes a mix of working-class, lower-middle-class, and some middle-class residents.
   While I’m not surprised by this, especially given the gentrification happening in parts of the
   neighborhood, I do feel that this accurately represents the area. Long-time residents,
   many of whom are working-class, coexist with newer, middle-class individuals moving in due to
   increasing rents and housing development. This reflects the fluidity of social class in urban areas,
   where socioeconomic status can vary widely, even within a few blocks.

It’s fascinating to see how subjective class self-identification can differ based on factors like
income, education, and even perceptions of social standing. My neighborhood showcases that
diversity well.

3. Based on Reading 4.2, a clear pattern of stark income inequality emerges across New
   York City, particularly as highlighted through the data on subway stations. The disparity
   between the wealthiest areas, like those around Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan,
   and the poorest, such as Sutter Avenue in Brooklyn, is striking. This massive income gap
   shows how social classes in NYC are often determined by geographic location and are
   influenced by neighborhood development, access to resources, and the
   proximity to economic hubs.
   What stands out is that the distribution of social classes in NYC is not random; it follows a
   pattern of wealth segregation. Wealthier residents live near financial
   centers and elite institutions, while lower-income residents are pushed further into outer
   boroughs or less developed neighborhoods. The city’s infrastructure, such as the subway
   system, reflects this pattern as it connects vastly different economic worlds within a short
   distance. This confirms that New York City is a place where the lines between social classes
   are visible and heavily influenced by location and income, creating a city of extreme.

Keep in mind our Online Discussion Guidelines:
http://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/pol-100-0501-fall-2024-introduction-to-american-government/online-discussion-guidelines/

Instructions for completing this discussion board assignment:

a) Identify which discussion question you are answering in your comment by placing the relevant number at the start of your answer. For example:

2. Crime has often been used as a form of social control by…

4. Michelle Alexander’s argument about segregation…

b) Respond to one other student’s comments.

NOTE: As usual, follow the guidelines from previous discussion board assignments, in answering by creating a new post…

1. Do you notice any similarities in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2? Do you notice any differences in the way these two readings DIFFERENTIATE between social classes?
2. Pick the station closest to where you live. Using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood? Are you surprised (or not) by the answer? Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?
3. Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?