As a dimension of diversity, social class carries tremendous economic, educational, and political importance. Yet, when diversity is defined and discussed, social class is often totally ignored or at best, an afterthought. Consider the following stories as reported in the media.
The achievement gap. There is a plethora of data on the so-called achievement gap between Blacks and Whites. How often is social class brought into the picture, in spite of the strong relationship between educational achievement and family wealth?
Disability. As is common knowledge by now, Sarah Palin is a mother who has a child with Down Syndrome. Much has been made of her ability to understand special-needs families and even speak for this population. However, her social class remains largely invisible in these discussions. Because of her wealth, education, and support system, she can get the best insurance, she can get the best medical treatment, and can provide the best educational alternatives for her son at every stage of his life.
Longevity. I read an article on aging the other day in The Washington Post in which the youthfulness of a 62 year-old man was being discussed. In discussing how he looked so young for his age and his overall health, the author addressed his fitness, health habits, lifestyle, and daily regimen of vitamins. Missing was any mention of social class, even though this man happened to be a lawyer.
The loss of an “assumptive world” following 9/11. Recently, psychology professor Mark Sossin of Pace College discussed research on the short and long-term psychological effects of 9/11. Sossin makes the point that after 9/11, people could no longer assume they would wake up to the same safety net they woke up to before 9/11. While that might hold true for some co-victims of 9/11, there is an implicit assumption that people have a safety net and that it provides them with some sense of stability. This may or may not be true, depending on their social class and life experiences.
According to intersection theory, social class interacts with other dimensions of diversity. Nevertheless, interconnections among social class and other variables such as age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and values are difficult to see unless we shift perspectives. When moving beyond race and gender as explanatory variables, our thoughts do not necessarily turn to social class. That has to change.
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I definitely agree. Social class plays a very important part of who we are and how we became that person. It dictates our perspectives on everything around us. I grew up in about the middel class. We didn’t have a lot of money for fancy or expensive things, but we were never without. My social class has made me see money as not a very important thing. It doesn’t bring happiness, and it doesn’t define success. My social class also dictated who I was friends with. In the small school I went to, most kids were in the same situation that I was in. Also, as a kid, everyone wants to fit in. Consequently, I didn’t want to feel left out or poor by being around kids with very nice things. As one can see, social class plays a very important role in each person’s life, yet sadly most people look past it.
Social class, unfortunately, plays a big role in our society. It has been this way throughout history and will continue to be this way until people develop more consciousness towards diversity. Just because someone is from a different social class, does not mean that they are lesser of a person or a better person. Personally, I grew up in the middle class. We were always comfortable, we had what we needed and got some of what we wanted. Money was never a huge stress factor in my life up until a few years ago when things got tight. I know what it is like to have and I know what it is like to worry about paying for college. This has made me appreciate my family and my friends because I know that they will always be there for me, for the good times and the bad. Some people have prejudices against those in different social classes. This is very unfortunate as it hinders people from having relationships with others with different backgrounds. Hopefully, more and more will become more culturally diverse!
Yes, social class is important in our society. I see it everyday from school to work and even experience it myself. Recently I found out I was expecting and instead of this time being joyous and carefree, I am in a constant worry about how I can afford to pay for this baby. News, media, celebs all make having a baby seem exciting with no worries, but no one ever tells you the costs of the doctors, nurses, paper work, and the birthing facility. Social class effects all aspects of life and should be address more in society.