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.

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 

1. One similarity in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2 is describing it as something that affects peoples over all quality of life. The difference in the way it is discussed is the structural issues such as in 4.1 system inequality, while 4.2 focuses on individual choices.
   
2. I live In far rockaway NY and my social class consist of low/ middle income families , with lots of Immigrants. I am not surprised with the answer. I do feel like it is an accurate representation of the people who live in my neighborhood.
   
3. Based off reading 4.2 I do notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC. I notice social classes plays a big part in where people live and what opportunities are available to them.

1. The similarities and differences in how social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2.
   Both readings 4.1 and 4.2 explore the role of social class in shaping people’s lives, emphasizing how economic factors influence daily experiences and societal positioning. In both texts, social class is linked to income, education, and occupation, which collectively determine access to resources and opportunities. However, they approach the topic from different perspectives. The first reading examines social class through self-identification, explaining how individuals perceive their social standing based on personal achievements, financial stability, and professional status. It highlights how people’s understanding of their class position affects their sense of belonging and social mobility. The second reading, on the other hand, focuses on external markers of class, particularly through public transportation. It illustrates how wealthier individuals often have the means to avoid crowded and less efficient transit options. Meanwhile, lower-income individuals rely heavily on public transit, exposing them to longer commutes and additional daily challenges.
   2- Social class tends to live in your neighborhood. In Staten Island, having one or two cars is often more convenient, especially since public transportation like buses can be slower and less accessible compared to other boroughs. The layout of the island and the lack of a subway system can make it harder to rely on public transportation, so owning a car becomes a practical choice for many people. Based on the concepts from Reading 4.1, which talks about how social class is shaped by things like income, this is because many neighborhoods in Staten Island tend to have a mix of working-class families and middle-class people who rely on wages and may not have access to high levels of wealth or high-paying jobs.
   3- The general pattern of social classes in NYC, Reading 4.2 highlights a clear pattern of social class differences in NYC, particularly in access to and experiences with public transportation. Higher-income individuals often avoid crowded subway stations, opting instead for taxis, private cars, or other expensive transportation options. Their financial stability allows them to prioritize comfort and convenience, minimizing their reliance on public transit. In contrast, lower-income individuals depend heavily on the subway due to its affordability, despite facing longer commutes, overcrowding, and less maintained conditions. Additionally, subway stations in wealthier neighborhoods tend to be cleaner and less congested, while those in lower-income areas are often overcrowded and in need of maintenance. This pattern reflects broader social inequalities, where economic status determines the quality and accessibility of transportation. Wealthier individuals enjoy greater flexibility in mobility.

1. Similarities and Differences in Discussions of Social Class (Readings 4.1 and 4.2)

After reading both 4.1 and 4.2, I noticed that they both discuss social class as something that affects peoples opportunities, access to resources, and overall quality of life. However, they approach it in slightly different ways. One reading might focus more on economic factors like income and job types, while the other emphasizes social and cultural aspects, like education and community influence. I also noticed differences in how they describe class divisions one might highlight structural issues like systemic inequality, while the other could focus on individual choices and mobility. These perspectives helped me think more critically about how social class is defined and experienced.

2. Social Class in Your Neighborhood (Using Reading 4.1 Concepts)

Since I live in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and my closest train is the Manhattan-bound 2 train, my neighborhood is a mix of working-class and middle-class residents, with a strong Caribbean and immigrant presence. Based on the concepts from Reading 4.1, I would say the dominant social class here consists of working professionals, small business owners, and service workers. Theres also been noticeable gentrification, with rising rents and new businesses changing parts of the area.

Im not too surprised by this, but I do feel that Flatbush is in a transitional phase. While its still an affordable option compared to other parts of Brooklyn, the increasing cost of living is making it harder for some long-term residents to stay. Overall, I think the reading provides an accurate representation of my neighborhoods social class, though personal experiences might vary.

3. Patterns of Social Class in NYC (Based on Reading 4.2)

Based on Reading 4.2, I see clear patterns in how social class is distributed across NYC. Wealthier areas like the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and parts of Brooklyn, like Park Slope, tend to attract upper-class and upper-middle-class residents, while lower-income communities are more common in parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. In my experience, gentrification is also a big factor neighborhoods like mine in Flatbush are changing, with rising rents and new businesses bringing in different social groups. This reading made me reflect on how class influences where people live and how accessible certain opportunities are depending on location.

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?

In my exploration of the concept of social class, I have found that there is significant overlap between the public’s understanding of social class and its definition in political discourse. As observed in reading 4.1, social class is typically described through various categories that accentuate superficial aspects, such as how individuals present themselves or how they categorize their social standing, including lower class, middle class, upper middle class, and upper class.

This subjective approach to defining social classes often focuses on factors like income, education, manners, and the type of environment one resides in, whether that be rural or suburban, or even in a more impoverished area. People commonly associate social class with visible markers of wealth, such as the type of car someone drives, their clothing, or jewelry passed down as heirlooms. These assumptions overlook the critical distinction regarding income generation: working-class individuals often rely solely on their labor for income, whereas those in the wealthy class can generate passive income through investments without the need for continuous effort.

The readings suggest that true social class can be more accurately defined by the categories of the working class and the capitalist class (the wealthy or owning class). Throughout both readings, I have noticed how they interrelate in their content. Ultimately, it boils down to a distinction where the wealthy are the owners of resources, while others must work to acquire what they need for their livelihoods. Both subjects share a commonality: they are both driven by money and are interconnected. Just like a tree and a human being, where we rely on oxygen and trees rely on us to exhale carbon dioxide, each cannot thrive without the other. In other words, if there were no laborers, capitalists would not exist

2.I live in Times Square, near the west side of 42nd Street, where the subway lines connect all the letters to the 1239 number line. This area serves as a microcosm of the city itself. It tends to cater to the low middle class, upper middle class, and upper class. The social classes do differ from west to east, with the west side of Manhattan showing a distinct separation based on income levels.

The west side is often seen as “new money,” meaning it’s comprised of individuals who earn their wealth, typically with incomes ranging from a minimum of $20,000 to upper middle class levels of $150,000 to $250,000.

As you move further east, you’ll find large corporations and residences belonging to what we categorize as “old money.”  These residents often include business executives, professionals, and those with significant investments or inheritances, reflecting a higher socioeconomic status. The value of these properties can range from $1 million to well over $10 million, depending on size, location, and amenities.
These are individuals who may or may not have a regular income but sustain their wealth through investments and profits.

On the west side, people range from those considered poor to those who are wealthy, and they generally need to earn an income to sustain their living arrangements and maintain their standard of living. In contrast, the corporations and residents on the east side typically engage in business and possess the investments that classify them as part of the wealthy class. This displays how the wealthy have separated themselves from the working class through the train system. The west side of earned income transportation is within close proximity, while the east side tends to be the farthest from the trains. The buses that run on York Avenue, near the FDR Drive and Second Avenue to even Third and Park Avenue, do not operate consistently. This inconsistency may be because the wealthy possibly have chauffeurs or private means of travel, which eliminates their need for public transportation. This is another way they maintain exclusivity from the laboring class.

There is also a significant homeless population in the area, which is often obscured from view. To maintain the image of Times Square as a tourist attraction, law enforcement and nonprofit organizations work to provide safe havens for the homeless and keep the area looking appealing. Times Square is often perceived as a utopia, a glamorous hub that hides its less fortunate realities. The presence of the working class in subsidized luxury housing helps to create an exterior that draws visitors to the area’s glitz and glamour, where stars are born, and attractions like Broadway shows, fine dining, and cinemas abound.

I feel that this is an inaccurate representation of the people. While there is affluence in the area, it is overshadowed by a significant celebrity presence and the excessive construction of luxury high-rises. This situation obscures the needs of low-income and middle-income classes, leading to a lack of necessary programs for these specific social groups. Additionally, it may create a misleading assumption that living among the wealthy means there is plenty to go around. In reality, the disparity in monetary distribution is staggering, with the wealthy retaining most of the profits while the laboring class struggles. The situation is severely disproportionate.

3.Based on Reading 4.2, I’ve noticed a general pattern regarding social classes in NYC. The Laboring Class tends to be grouped together and is separated from the Capitalist Class. For instance, the Financial District is surrounded by affluent high-rise buildings that offer accessible resources and specialized/private education. In contrast, the Laboring Class is more collectively joined, with businesses in their areas often being local delis, public housing, and liquor stores. Some neighborhoods, like parts of the Bronx, are characterized by what could be described as “desert land” due to the surrounding poverty-stricken resources, with limited amenities. This situation is compounded by repressive state ideologies, such as those embodied in RSI, which may lead to economic and social policies that benefit the elite while suppressing the rights and opportunities of the working class or marginalized groups. For instance, limited access to education, healthcare, or economic resources for certain populations could be a manifestation of this ideology.

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.

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

4. Michelle Alexander’s argument about segregation…

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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?