1.    Some similarities I noticed within both readings, firstly bird and Newport highlight how Americans perception of their social class is influenced by subjective factors like income, education and personal comparison rather than objective economic measures. Both readings emphasized income as a primary factor in determining social class. Bird and Newport discuss how self identification with a class is often tied to income brackets. Another similarly I noticed was that both pieces highlighted how people compare themselves to those around them to determine class standing. Furthermore, both readings highlight how class in America is a mix of perceptions, economic reality and influence. Some differences I noticed between both readings was that in bird and Newport focuses on how individuals perceive their own social class than one New York subways talks about using income data to map economic inequality across different subway stops.It doesn’t focus on personal perceptions and cultural backgrounds. In bird and Newport readings according to them them they used survey data to analyze how people categorize themselves into social classes. On the other hand, the subway study relies on geographic and economic data presenting class differences throughout visual income mapping. In bird and Newport research is centered on a individual level seeing how personal factors like income and education impact self identification with a certain class. To conclude, both readings address social class but have two different approaches on how social classes impact us.

2. I live near the L train that goes to Rockaway Parkway. In that area, you usually find a lot of low and middle-class people. It makes sense because society often places these groups near trains, delis, liquor stores, and smoke shops, which keeps their numbers pretty consistent. I think it’s a good spot for them since it’s easy to get to Canarsie. If there weren’t a train there, the buses would be super crowded for the people living in Canarsie. I’ve also noticed that in nicer neighborhoods, you don’t see many low-class people or buses or trains around.

3. In New York City, social classes are often separated by economic differences that can be seen along subway lines. The information we read points out that where you live in NYC is closely linked to your social class and how you get around on public transport. The subway system acts like a hidden sign of economic inequality. Even though the subway connects all parts of the city, it also reveals how wealth and poverty are not spread out evenly among different neighborhoods. For example, In places where express trains run, property values are usually higher, and there are more wealthy people living there. On the other hand, neighborhoods that depend on local trains might face economic difficulties and have lower income levels. This shows that where someone lives in New York City is closely connected to their social class, affecting not only where they can live but also what resources, job chances, and social connections they have.