1) Article 4.1 demonstrates how Americans treat class identity subjectively, with cultural factors, lifestyle, and individual perspectives all influencing how they define their social class. People seem to associate themselves with the social class that seems most fitting, disregarding education levels and household income. Article 4.2 shows a series of graphs that indicate the median household income (2011) scattered across neighborhoods surrounding New York City subway stations. The graphs visualize the steepness of economic inequity across the five boroughs. Both articles show how class identity is not objective to most individuals, as people with varying levels of income will still group themselves and others using their own thought processes. Article 4.1 builds on this idea with people’s tendency to self-identify social class while the second article has concrete data that shows the objective reality of income levels in NYC, highlighting how people may not recognize these gaps if they are busy creating their own sets of criteria.

2) The closest station to where I live is Sheepshead Bay station (B/Q). The 2022 median household income for Sheepshead Bay was $63,370. According to Article 4.1, the neighborhood falls under the working and middle social classes. I believe this is an accurate representation since South Brooklyn has not experienced nearly the amount of gentrification as the rest of Brooklyn, leaving decently priced housing for the people living here. (Source: https://furmancenter.org/neighborhoods/view/sheepshead-bay#demographics)

3) The general pattern around social classes in the city is that wealth is concentrated in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Manhattan, areas like UES, SoHo, and Midtown are expensive, while LES and East Harlem are more affordable. In Brooklyn, areas like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Heights are much wealthier than the rest of the borough. These parts of Brooklyn are close to Manhattan and share expensive waterfront views which are seen as a luxury. Some of these neighborhoods were once affordable, but due to gentrification, many low-income residents were pushed out of their homes because of rent prices skyrocketing and new luxury housing developments being built. 

(I was able to get to reading 4.2 by using this URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20230516092143/https://projects.newyorker.com/story/subway/)

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?

After reviewing both readings 4.1 and 4.2 I can only see one similarity in both 4.1 & 4.2, which is that people that live in the ‘suburbs’ are more likely to see themselves as middle-class or working-class. This is clearly shown in 4.1 “People living in rural areas are less likely to identify in a higher social class compared with those living in urban and suburban areas“. The graphs in reading 4.2 strongly suggest the same, and are based on data collected by census. The data shows the NYC subway map as a guide to social classes. Each station on the subway map corresponds with an average income level of the people living around that stop. Unlike 4.1, this data is based not on how people see themselves, but rather on ‘cold’ data and statistics.
For example, in reading 4.2, at Jamaica Center – Parsons-Archer station of the Z line, we can see that the median income of the average household is $37,184 which puts the average household at the lower-middle class or the working class. On the other hand we have the Canal St. station or Chambers St. station, which are both located in the heart of Manhattan. We can see that the median income of the average household is $135,573 which puts the average household at the upper-middle class. So as we can see there is a correlation between the two readings on the point that not only do people would more likely see themselves as lower-middle class if they live in the suburbs, they are in fact more likely to be lower-middle class if they live in the suburbs.

Of course the most obvious difference between the two reading is the fact that 4.1 is really about the subjective perception of how people classify themselves and 4.1 is far more fact-based.
Another major difference is that in 4.2 the social classes are based solely on the annual income, but in 4.1 there are multiple different factors that help people classify themselves into social classes (income, age, sex, political affiliation, region of living, etc).

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 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and the closest Station to me is the 86th St, station of the 4,5,6 train.
As seen in the map in reading 4.2, the median household income is $104,514 , which would put many nearby household at the upper-middle class. I am not surprised at all by the answer. It is well known that this part of the city is considered strong in terms of socioeconomic classes. There are many luxury buildings in the neighborhood and there are many top-end stored on its avenues. When walking the streets you can sense that this is a wealthy neighborhood, and I am sure that many would agree and see the same. Thus, I do 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?

Based on Reading 4.2, it seems clear that the further away you go from the center of Manhattan into other boroughs, the level of social classes are more likely to go down. It is much more evident in the last/first stops of most subway lines which start/end in the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The stronger population of NYC (in terms of annual income and social class) is more likely to live in Manhattan than other boroughs.

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.

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.

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 

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.

2. 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. 

3. 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.

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.

(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.