- Similarities I have noticed in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2 is that both readings focus on and discuss social class hierarchy and where people with certain income ranges live. In reading 4.1, income is a key factor with how people define and identify with their social class. Those who are on the lower end of household income earnings usually identify as lower, middle, and working class. While those on the higher end of the household income earning usually identify as upper-middle or upper class. With similar illustrations in reading 4.2, it highlights the income disparity that is prevalent across different neighborhoods in New York City. For example, train stations in lower Manhattan like Chambers street, World Trade Center, and park place have a median household income of $205k+, while stations like Sutter ave in Brooklyn have a median income of $12.2k+. This shows how income influences how income serves as the basis, as to how people associate themselves with a particular social class, Also, it represents how income not only shows what subway stops are in areas of high and low income medians, but the routes that are associated with those areas. On the other hand, there are differences that were captured in both readings 4.1 and 4.2 that showcased their subject and objective contrasts. In reading 4.1, it embraces how individuals identify with a social class based on education, income, and job type. For reference, the reading indicates that people who earn less than the national average identify as middle class. This emphasizes how the way people perceive themselves to align themselves with a social class is indeed subjective. Moreover, reading 4.2 sheds light on the income disparities throughout NYC neighborhoods and subway routes. As shown in the text, the data collected in the U.S census objectively shows how appalling the income gaps are in different neighborhoods. The subway system was a way to prove that analysis with the use of household median income pointing out income disparities.
- Based on my closest subway station, the social class that tends to live in my neighborhood are low and middle class. I’m connected to the ABCD trains and in recent years, there has been a spike in upper-middle and upper class moving into the community. due to gentrification, newly developed properties, and businesses. I am not surprised because New York City has become increasingly expensive over the last decade. I would say this is an accurate representation of people living in the neighborhood because although the area is predominantly low and middle class, upper-middle class and upper class families are now residing in the same neighborhood. This is a reflection of gentrification and it’s consistently noticed in trends around NYC.
- Based on reading 4.2, the general pattern I have noticed about social class in NYC is how income dramatically shifts throughout the boroughs and is proven with the use of the subway system. The text highlights the areas where wealth is concentrated and where it isn’t. This trend also indicates that social class and income inequality is segregated by areas where people live.
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Hey! I totally agree with your points, especially how both readings highlight the connection between income and social class. The subway system really does a great job (or maybe a terrible job?) of exposing those income disparities-it’s wild how just a few stops apart, the median income can jump from six figures to barely enough to survive. I also found it interesting how you pointed out the subjective vs. objective contrast between the readings. Reading 4.1 really does focus more on how people feel about their social class, while 4.2 is just straight-up hard data showing the reality of income inequality. Your example of gentrification in your neighborhood is super relatable too-so many areas in NYC are changing because of rising costs, and it’s definitely reshaping the mix of social classes. It’s frustrating to see, but also fascinating from a sociological perspective. Overall, I think you explained the readings really well! It’s crazy how much a subway map can double as a class divide map in this city.