Vanessa Camacho – Discussion Board 4.1

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?

1) I unfortunately do not have access to the 4.2 reading. As for reading 4.1, social classes are based on where groups of people fall on with how much income is made. The social class divides people into five classes, but with how the economy is going, the middle class is facing the challenges those in the lower class had to endure. There are many factors that can play a role in where people in society stand in social class. Education is one of the important assets to have, as the society we live in today defines that as your worth, which results in the income made. Over time, social class has negatively impacted many; it has become such a big gap between upper and middle class that many are questioning how earning a livable wage has become increasingly difficult that it’s been affecting even those in middle class.

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?

2) The concepts from reading 4.1 are that the social class that lives in my neighborhood would be lower and working class. I am not surprised by the answer, as the economy that is currently being lived through has made earning a living a lot more challenging. I do believe it is an accurate representation of the people living in my neighborhood, as the area I reside in unfortunately struggles to get the necessary assistance to give those struggling a stepping stone to be able to meet their physiological needs.

Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

3) The general pattern of social classes in NYC has changed over time as division is still in place. It began with how much income was made in different social groups to an individual’s worth relating to their status, education, age, and strategy. The areas, such as different parts of a borough, are a good example of how divided and separated we are as a society because of where one stands in social class. An example of this would be the transit system, while riding the train many know who will be getting off before what stop and how the environment changes as it goes further into the borough.

Kaylin Snowden- 4.1

  1. In the article titled, “What Determines How Americans Perceive Their Social Class” it discusses what social class is and how social class can be seen as a hierarchy within society . According to Gallup.com, an objective social class can be seen as a hierarchy within society. Objective social class can be determined by socioeconomic factors such as income and education. Subjective social class can be determined by the person. Using the socioeconomic factors they can determine if they are upper, middle, or lower class.
  2. I live in the Bronx, specifically in the Highbridge area. The two stations in my neighborhood are the 4 train and the B/D station. The people and the area usually are in the lower class. I feel this is an accurate representation because the people in my area are mostly recipients of government assistance such as food stamps, section 8, and welfare.
  3. I feel that the social classes in NYC have been an unspoken norm since forever. As a New Yorker myself, born and raised, I feel there is this weird segregation between the rich and the poor. For example, if you get on the 4 train, you notice you probably won’t see a White person until you get to 86th street. You subconsciously learn that the rich people (typically White) live in expensive areas such as 59th street. Ignorant people associate poverty with 125th street that is filled with violence, drug abuse, and Black and Hispanic people. Usually, if White people move into that area, then they must be rich and apart of the gentrification that is forcing life-long residents to move due to rent increases. Stereotypes and racism play a huge role in the social classes in NYC.

(I couldn’t load the 4.2 article)

Tyrek Johnson – 4.1

1. Do you notice any similarities in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2?

I can’t access reading 4.2
Reading 4.1 explains that various factors such as wealth, education, job, and financial resources contribute to social class, resulting in a more inclusive and adaptable system of classification. This system divides society into five distinct social classes, though the boundaries between them can be unclear, and individuals may have differing views on their own class position.

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?

I live in Flatbush, Brooklyn (Q/B lines). Based on my observations, my area has been gentrified in recent years so theres a ton of new upper/middle class couples and families living here. However, there is a ton of lower middle class people who have lived here for decades. I’m not surprised by the social class in my area transforming given that it is a very commercial with The Barclays being close by.

3. Do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

Lower-income individuals and families are often found in neighborhoods in the deeper parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem. On the other hand, the outskirts of each borough is typically where the wealthiest residents reside, with the exception of Manhattan.

    Discussion Board 4.1 – Kevin Hernandez

    1. Some similarities are that social class is based on common socioeconomic variables such as income, education, wealth and even occupation. These are the sources by which people often associate themselves from the 5 social class types. Some differences such as in reading 4.1 where age, race, and residence location has an impact on the social class that people associate themselves with. It’s not very common but can be important to include social class as a value of identification. 

    2. On the 46st station served by the 7 train in Queens, the middle social class tends to live in my neighborhood. I am not surprised and assert that this is a dominant reality as many in the neighborhood commute to and from Manhattan everyday to work. Given the high salaries of work that they probably earn. People meet the consistent rent prices of $2,000 and upwards to live here. Except for the very few who work nearby can be considered as working class to make just enough to live in the neighborhood. 

    3. I notice that social classes like upper middle and upper class live and commute within Manhattan or near the outskirts of manhattan strongholds for high paying jobs. Also reside in more safer neighborhoods. Then middle and working class residents reside in average residence locations not too far from transportation. They may or may not work at high paying jobs in the city but they make enough to make a living. The lower class often reside in far away neighborhoods or in neighborhoods considered very affordable to live cheaply. But can be on the downside due to the environment and lack of resources.

    4.1

    1. In 4.1 they talk about how social class has flexibility when it comes to the determination of a persons social status. The flexibility comes from the subjective idea of social status. A person making 75k a year considers themselves middle class. A person making 100k a year considers themselves middle class as well thus creating blurred standards of each class. It also compares it to a hierarchy that’s based on wealth, income, education, and occupation. In reading 4.3 they talk about social class based on owning of wealth. Owning a company or owning property. They talk about social class determined on income, but for the higher class its the income they make off of other people(employees) work. Biggest difference I see in 4.1 and 4.3 is who and how they determine social class. In 4.1 they speak on how a person see themselves in 4.3 they speak based on a corporate view. Its less of an idea and more structured

    2. I live on Long Island, I don’t use the subways but I would have to say in my area I am surrounded by middle class families. I feel like its an accurate yet mislead representation. We are considered middle class because of income but the income doesn’t align with cost of living. 

    3. There is a very distinct social class pattern when it comes to NYC. The poor get pushed into one area in every borough.  The resource “available” to them don’t really give them a solution to proverty it just gives them a band aid. While the wealthiest people have a surplus of resources 

      Anjale Dindial

      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?

      ~~~Since 4.2 is not available on my side, I’ll be comparing and differentiating 4.1 & 4.3.~~~

      Answer: Similarities: In both readings 4.1 & 4.3, some similarities were identifying social class by education level, “”The biggest impact of education on subjective social class comes at the college graduate level…” 4.1 “Along with factory and service workers, the employee class also includes professionals and managers who in income, education, and lifestyle tend to be identified as“middle” or “upper-middle” class” 4.3. Some differences between the readings and social classes. 4.1 explained the characteristics of social class while 4.3 focused more on capitalism. 4.3 explained the ultimate purpose of corporate therefore, 4.1 differentiate social class by age, rural areas, race, and education.

      1. a) Pick the station closest to where you live. Using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood? 

      Answer: Middle & working class

      b) Are you surprised (or not) by the answer?  

      Answer: No, not surprised.

      c) Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

      Answer: Yes, it is an accurate representation of the people living in my neighborhood. 

      1. Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

      Answer: In my opinion, the general pattern about social classes in NYC tends to be fenced off. Therefore, every neighborhood in NYC has people of different social class or perhaps some neighborhoods have middle class such as Queens Village & working class Lower East Side while other neighborhoods have upper class which is SoHo.

      Donje Koonjisingh

      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?

      The primary distinction between the reading is how they define and characterize social status. Reading 4.1 discusses how many characteristics, like as money, education, occupation, and wealth, influence social class, resulting in a broader and more flexible classification system. This allows for five separate social classes, albeit the lines between them can be blurred, and people may not always agree on their class status. The criteria for class determination vary depending on perspective and circumstances, and people may perceive themselves differently based on personal ideals or external evaluation. Section 4.3, on the other hand, streamlines the framework by focusing on two fundamental classes: ownership and labor.

      Pick the station closest to where you live. On the M train at Fresh Pond Road, using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood?

      middle class and working class.

      Are you surprised (or not) by the answer?

      No I’m not surprised at all.

      Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

      Yes

      Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

      Yes, there Is a distinct pattern of social class division in NYC. The city is divided into several neighborhoods based on income levels, education, and resources availability. Wealthier regions, such as Manhattans upper east side or Tribeca, offer luxury real estate, high-end amenities, and access to premium education and healthcare. Lower-income communities, typically located in the outer boroughs such as the bronx and sections of Brooklyn, may have less resources, lower-paying occupations, and limited access to top-tier services. Deep social class disparities exist in New York City, where the gap between the rich and poor is frequently evident in inhabitants day-to-day lives. This is highlighted by the high cost of living and the sharp contrast between affluent and lower-income neighborhoods.

      Anna Umandap- Social Class and the Inequality in America

      (Disclaimer: 4.2 reading is not available to me so I will be comparing 4.2 and 4.3 instead.)

      1-The way social class is discussed between readings 4.1 and 4.3 is similar because there is a higher class and lower class. Specifically, higher classes in the 4.1 reading are those with wealth. Those who can spend money without having to worry about it. The lower class are those who are unable to have such luxuries. The social objective here describes how the perspective of Americans is skewed so much. It undermines how much each class is actually earning. 4.3 reading discusses a similar phenomenon between big businesses and small businesses. The two discuss how often the scales are tipped against the smaller and poorer classes. That the monopoly of big businesses and the wealthy has significantly skewed the charts.

      The difference between the 4.1 and 4.3 readings is how they address the issues. 4.1 provides an overview on what Americans perceive their social class to be. The factors being income, wealth, education and occupation. 4.3 provides a deeper view of how capitalism has become skewed overtime. Labor was discussed in the reading to be a driving factor. To provide better for those in the lower classes. Small businesses are often overlooked or crushed due to the credibility larger businesses have above them. The history along with statistic details in 4.3 shows how unfair it was from the start.

      2- I live in New Jersey and the area around me is a very dense city. Mostly small businesses and local shops. The poor working class tends to live in my neighborhood. Although recent changes have been showing up. Some areas near me are getting bought out by large companies to make luxury apartments. 4.1 concepts do not make this surprising to me given it was progressing through many years. Eventually all these higher classes and businesses saw a chance to make even more money at the working class expense.

      3- Based on reading 4.2, a general pattern of social classes have in NYC is how divided it is. I mainly saw the poorest of neighborhoods when I grew up. Queens Far Rockaway and Elmhurst where always crowded and poor. Going to school in Manhattan feels so odd considering the area is rich. Many business people and those with stable jobs live around there. I believe NYC has a wide range of social classes where I have yet to see. My view comes from extremes and experiences.

      4.1 by April Gonzalez

      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 how these two readings differentiate between social classes?

      I’m a little confused because I can’t access the 4.2 reading, so I’m comparing Reading 4.1 with the readings in the 4.3 section.

      The similarities I noticed between the way social class is discussed in Reading 4.1 and Section 4.3 are that both readings recognize that social class is determined by the amount and type of property one owns, and that positions in the social hierarchy are not fixed for life.

      The difference lies in how the two readings define or differentiate the classes. In Reading 4.1, social class is determined by a wide range of factors and can vary significantly, with five typical social classes. People may not always recognize or agree on which class they belong to, even though they measure themselves using the same criteria. The value of these criteria, however, differs depending on perspective. In Section 4.3, the distinction between the two main social classes (the owning class and the labor class) is more straightforward. If you own wealth in the form of investments, real estate, stocks, bonds, or natural resources, you belong to the owning class. If not, you are part of the labor class, working for a living and earning a salary.


      2. Pick the station closest to where you live. On the M train at Fresh Pond Road, using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood?

      Middle and working class.

      Are you surprised (or not) by the answer?

      Not surprised.

      Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

      Yes, it is an accurate representation of the people living there.


      3. Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

      From my experience, social classes in NYC tend to be separated into different neighborhoods, largely due to the cost of living, property values, and local job opportunities. For example, you’ll find two completely different classes living side by side but not interacting. In some areas, there are public housing projects, like Queens bridge Housing, which provide affordable housing for the lower class. Nearby, there may be warehouse manufacturing districts and commercial areas that create structural barriers between the lower-class neighborhoods and wealthier areas. A prime example of this is Long Island City, where luxury condominiums for the upper class are located next to office buildings, creating a clear divide between these wealthy residents and the lower-income neighborhoods just a short distance away.

      4.1

      2.)

      Sheepshead Bay is a middle-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. Based on Reading 4.1, the people here are mostly working-class and middle-class, with some upper-middle-class residents. There are a lot of families, small business owners, and professionals. I’m not really surprised by this because the area has nice houses, good schools, and a mix of different cultures. I think it’s an accurate representation because most people here seem to have stable jobs and comfortable lives, but it’s not super wealthy.