1. Do you see any similarities in how social class is discussed in Readings 4.1 and 4.1? What about differences in how they break down social class?

Yes, there are definitely some similarities. Both readings make it pretty clear that social class isn’t just about money, it shapes how people live their day-to-day lives. They both point out that things like income, education, and job status play a big role in where someone stands in society. The difference? Reading 4.1 focuses more on how people personally identify with their social class, like do they see themselves as working-class or upper-class? Meanwhile, reading 4.2 is more about the external stuff, like how something as basic as riding the subway can highlight social class differences. Basically, the rich avoid packed subway stations like the plague, while lower-income folks don’t really have that luxury.

2. Think about the subway station closest to you. Based on Reading 4.1, what social class tens to live in your area? Were you surprised, or was it exactly what you expected?

The closest station to me is the R train in Bay Ridge. This area is mostly middle-class, with a mix of longtime homeowners and renters. You’ve got a lot of families, some older folks who’ve been here forever, and a good number of working professionals. It is not super wealthy, but it’s not struggling either, it’s in that in-between zone. Am I surprised? Not really. You can tell from the local businesses, the relatively calm subway stations (at least compared to Manhattan), and the fact that people here actually seem to like their neighborhood. It’s a pretty accurate reflection of the people who live here.

3. After reading 4.2, do you see a pattern in how social classes operate in NYC?

Yes I do, one thing for sure that stands out is how public transportation really highlights social class differences. If you’ve got money, you’re probably not squeezing onto a crowded subway, you’re hopping in a cab or taking your own car. For lower-income folks, the subway is the go-to option because, well, it’s cheap. Also, if you’ve ever noticed, the stations in wealthier areas are cleaner, less chaotic, while the ones in lower-income neighborhoods can be overcrowded and, let’s just say, not as nice. So yes, NYC social class divisions are basically built into the transit system.