Similarities and Differences in Social Class Discussions in Readings 4.1 and 4.2.
Although the two readings pertained to social class perception, they differed in their approach. Reading 4.1, What Determines How Americans Perceive Their Social Class from Gallup, looked at how one sees his social class contingent on income, education, and occupation. The finding also pointed out that many Americans classify themselves as middle or working-class and that self-classification depends on personal achievements compared to others in society.
Whereas, Reading 4.2, “My Life on the Subway” from The New Yorker, provides along with an incredible touch of a critique-the social class differentials in the place of subways. The writer contemplates one’s experience over different subway lines and adds that those routes and stations constitute a microcosm regarding the economic and social diversity of the whole city.
Both complement each other; while reading an account of social class perception, this reading gives information about social class through perception while a data-based analysis of how Americans classify themselves defines reading 4.1. Reading 4.2, in contrast, narrates the observation of how social class appears in a real city life.
- Social Class in My Neighborhood
From the findings of Reading 4.1 and my firsthand experience, the social class that prevails in my neighborhood near the St. Albans station in Queens appears to be middle class, characterized by a median household income of $99,634, with 34% of the households renting in the range of $75,000-$149,000, and 27% earning over $150,000. In terms of race, the neighborhood is mostly African American (79%), while a significant amount of its residents are employed in white-collar jobs (81.18%). In terms of educational qualifications, 16% are bachelor’s degree holders, while 9% possess master’s or other advanced degrees.
To corroborate with what I personally see, well-kept single-family homes, some local shops, and a functioning community organization suggest the stability and great involvement of the middle-class community. I personally see this portrayal to be true and unsurprising.
- Common Patterns of Social Classes in NYC as Read in 4.2
Reading 4.2 states that the subways of New York City provide information about the social stratification within the city. Depending on what line and what station, all would indicate the particular socio-economic class served. That is saying that neighborhoods have been drawn based on income-as well as social class lines: while certain lines might pass affluent neighborhoods, others travel through low-income areas. Such patterns are indeed about the economic diversity of the city as well as the public transport system attempting to connect communities.
