The stratification of society is actively discussed within the contemporary environment. In a way, it has always been an integral part of society, as at least some of a hierarchy has been embedded into it across centuries. The current paradigm of stratification has become the product of capitalist relations. In the United States, this paradigm traditionally comprises five major social classes, which are lower, lower-middle, middle, upper-middle, and upper. They represent the contemporary view on stratification, which has made sufficient progress in comparison to the obsolete forms. For example, the caste system, not to mention earlier feudal frameworks, divide people by the principle of innate rights. In other words, some people are privileged, and others are marginalized simply by being born into a specific family. The current system relies on the principle of social mobility, meaning that a combination of subjective and objective factors determines a person’s class and ensures the possibility of changing it.
As far as I am concerned, my current position allows me to attribute myself to the upper-middle class. In fact, this category represents a subclass of the middle class. According to Griffiths et al. (2014), the contemporary understanding of the middle class is too broad, comprising an array of households with profoundly different living conditions. In general, one of its uniform characteristics is described by the notion of comfort. In other words, middle-class people possess the required number of instruments that ensure a comfortable way of living in most respects. Such households usually have one or several vehicles, as well as a spacious apartment. In addition, middle-class people can afford good vacations that do not limit basic activities. In the upper end of the middle class, these aspects are prevalent, allowing for a highly comfortable life. It usually implies an education of at least Bachelor level with a subsequent successful career. In the lower middle class, the presence of such benefits often implies the lack of savings. People can afford fairly expensive goods or services, but they amount to nearly all of their earnings.
The upper end implies a different situation, in which families can realistically save money for major purchases, such as children’s education or new housing. The economy of the country dictates a certain range of professions usually held by the representatives of the upper-middle class. Griffiths et al. (2014) say that it includes law, medicine, business, and management degrees of the Bachelor or Postgraduate levels. Furthermore, it is implied that the careers within these fields are to be fairly successful. This is the case of family, as well, because my husband is a surgeon with a good reputation and profound experience in his field. Since graduating from medical school, he has been making serious efforts to excel at his primary area of expertise. This way, his standard of living has seen a steady increase across these years.
Ultimately, we have been able to attain the level of income and comfort that corresponds to the upper-middle class level. For us, it has become the product of continuous efforts and hard work, which reflects the principle of social mobility. While the current pandemic has had a damaging impact on our lives, the possibility of savings increased our resilience in the face of the crisis. This case is a vivid example of the current state of social stratification in the United States. Overall, it does not limit an individual’s ability to rise from one class to another. Simultaneously, the lack of effort and expertise may lead to an opposite situation, in which a person may lose their fortune through inconsiderate behavior. Evidently, some people have a better starting point through inherited privileges. However, the absence of the metaphorical ceiling is the primary difference between the stratification today and prior.
Reference
Griffiths, H., Keirns, N., Strayer, E., Sadler, T., Cody-Rydzewsky, S., Scaramuzzo, G., Vyain, S., Bry, J., & Jones, F. (2014). Introduction to Sociology (2nd ed.). 12th Media Services.