Posted on by Brittney Coard

Brittney Coard – Discussion 4.1

  1. Both readings, it seems to me, explore social class influence people’s choices and their daily lives. People’s view of their social class is that whether or not they view themselves as middle class or working class are the main subject of reading 4.1. However, by connecting neighborhoods to different levels of income using the subway map, reading 4.2 gives a more basic representation of class. Reading 4.1 talks about identity and impression more than reading 4.2, which show real financial patterns and income gaps throughout New York City.

2.The station closest to where I live is in Brooklyn. My area would mostly be described as the median or low- income based on reading 4.1 because many people here rely on their incomes instead of wealth or large investments. Brooklyn is connected to a diverse mix of income levels, so I’m not surprised by this, but many families have regular jobs. Brooklyn is so diverse that is lacks simple grouping, even though I think it may be somewhat correct.

3. According to reading 4.2, the financial gap in NYC is clearly structured. Average salaries are lower such as the Bronx and parts of Queens, yet wealth resides in some places, particularly Manhattan. This shows that social class and location are related in New York City. 

Posted on by Kayla

DB 4.1

  1. Unable to answer due to not having access to second reading.
  2. I would say that most people in my neighborhood would probably identify as middle class using concepts from Gallup’s article because middle class is the category most Americans choose when they describe themselves, even without strict definitions from Gallup scientists. Since I live in a White, Metro-North area with reasonable income levels and access to good schools and jobs, it makes sense that people here would see themselves as middle class or upper-middle class, not lower or working class. I’m not surprised by that because these communities tend to have higher education levels and stable jobs, which are factors people use to place themselves higher on the social class scale. I think it’s an accurate representation because most of the families around here fit that profile and likely think of themselves that way, even though “social class” can feel vague.
  3. Unable to answer due to not having access to second reading.

Posted on by Arto Artinian · 5 Comments

Discussion Board 4.1

Keep in mind our Online Discussion Guidelines:
https://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/pol-100-0504-spring-2026-introduction-to-american-government/online-discussion-guidelines/

Instructions for completing this discussion board assignment:

a) Identify which discussion question you are answering in your comment by placing the relevant number at the start of your answer. For example:

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

4. Michelle Alexander’s argument about segregation…

b) Respond to one other student’s comments.

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?