- 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 both readings they highlight the role of income and how it shapes social classes. In the first article it focuses more on a subjective standpoint on class identity. How many Americans label themselves (working class vs middle class) and how others avoid labels like “upper or lower class” regardless of income. In The New Yorkers subway map provides a more objective standpoint of how class through income disparities across different NYC neighborhoods, it reinforces how economic divides align with geography. In the first article, Gallup exposes how the fluidity of how individuals view themselves within the class system. The second article exposes the very rigid segregation of wealth.
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?
The train station near me would be the number 2 line. This typically falls in the lower income area of the Bronx. In the first article Gallup suggests that people in this income range often identify as working or middle class. Historically the Bronx has been one of NYC more affordable boroughs. Im not too surprised with it. There is a mix of working class families and long term homeowners. I would say its a bit nuanced. I do think that some individuals that do live in my neighborhood would view their class status differently.
3. Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?
Based on The New Yorker Subway Map article there is certainly a clear pattern of social divisions tied to the overall geography and transit of the city. Subway lines like the 2 train visually and physically connect neighborhoods with drastically different incomes, education levels, and racial backgrounds. The median income levels also shifts. Riders boarding in Wakefield or south bronx often come from lower income communities and are commuting to jobs in wealthier parts of the city like midtown.
