Overview
This lecture explains how class distinctions and income brackets shape life experiences, social mobility, and the distribution of wealth and power in the United States.
Understanding Class & Mobility
- Class is a system of power based on perceived social and economic status, distinct but connected to money.
- The class someone is raised in strongly shapes their values, beliefs, and expectations throughout life.
- Class mobility in the U.S. is limited; most people remain in the class they were raised in.
- Some individuals experience class mobility, while others may have mixed-class backgrounds.
- Internalized class privilege can persist despite downward mobility or appear quickly with new wealth.
Examples of Class Experience
- Wealthy upbringing with financial downturns still grants access to class privileges.
- Working-class individuals with high income may begin to internalize upper-class privileges.
- Upper-class or middle-class individuals in low-paying jobs often have safety nets unavailable to working-class peers.
Characteristics by Class
Poor and Working-Poor
- Marked by unstable housing, underemployment, lack of access to healthcare and education, and chronic financial instability.
- Often subject to state intervention and treated as disposable in society.
- Make up 12% of population but have -1% of U.S. net wealth; rarely decision-makers.
Working-Class
- Experience unstable or rental housing, physical or service labor, and live paycheck to paycheck.
- Limited savings, high debt, and reliance on public safety nets are common.
- About 35% of the population with 4% of U.S. wealth; rarely in decision-making roles.
Middle-Class
- Usually stable housing, often homeowners, some job benefits, and college is typical.
- Debt often from mortgages or education; employment is mostly stable.
- Represent 32% of the population with 12% of U.S. wealth; sometimes decision-makers.
Managerial/Upper-Class
- Own homes, travel, elite education, and have some investments and savings.
- May inherit wealth and have significant social and financial networks.
- About 20% of the population holds 53% of U.S. net wealth; frequently decision-makers.
Owning/Ruling-Class
- Own luxury homes, have significant assets, work is typically optional.
- Large inheritances, elite education, and connections preserve wealth across generations.
- Comprise 1% of the population but control 32% of U.S. wealth; central in shaping national/global power.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Class — A system of power based on perceived social and economic status.
- Class mobility — The ability to move between social classes, which is limited in the U.S.
- Wealth — What you own minus what you owe.
- Internalized class privilege — The attitudes and advantages retained by those with class or wealth backgrounds.
- Owning-class/Ruling-class — Individuals or families with enough wealth or power to influence major societal conditions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Identify your own and your family's class experience using the provided guide.
- Explore the class privilege quiz if you believe you might be in the top 10%.