Introduction
The documentary investigates America’s social class structure and how it affects people’s lives. The film delves into their lifestyles, values, and experiences, as well as examples of how social class influences hobbies, preferences, tastes, and overall life opportunities. “The People Like Us” provides an insightful examination of America’s social class structure and its impact on individuals and society. It poses essential questions about the role of social class in shaping people’s lives and encourages viewers to examine their beliefs and assumptions critically.
Ways in Which Social Class Affects Our Hobbies/Preferences/Tastes and Life Chances
Our social class position can significantly impact our hobbies, preferences, tastes, and overall life chances. The documentary shows various examples of how social class influences these aspects of life. For instance, features a wealthy family, the Vanderbilts, and a working-class family, the Stanleys, who are both descended from the same ancestor. While the Vanderbilts have maintained their wealth and social standing, the Stanleys are experiencing financial difficulties. The Vanderbilts prefer high-end luxury items, whereas the Stanleys prioritize practicality and affordability in their purchases. Furthermore, one’s social class can influence one’s educational opportunities and job prospects. The Vanderbilts have access to prestigious schools and networking opportunities, whereas the Stanleys are unable to afford primary education and employment opportunities. Another example is how social class can influence one’s sense of identity and belonging. The film follows a young woman who grew up in a low-income family but is now a successful lawyer. She feels she has to hide her working-class roots to fit in with her colleagues from wealthier backgrounds. The documentary also demonstrates how one’s social class can affect one’s access to healthcare. The Stanleys are shown struggling to pay for medical treatment for their daughter’s asthma, whereas the Vanderbilts have access to high-quality care.
The Most Interesting Aspect of the Film
One of the most surprising aspects of the film was the idea that social class involves not only income or wealth but also cultural capital and social connections. According to American politician
Edward Royce (2023), cultural capital refers to the cultural knowledge, skills, and experiences that we acquire due to our upbringing and socialization. These cultural resources are then used to assist people in navigating social situations and achieving life success. Because it goes beyond the traditional definition of social class as a measure of income or wealth, the film’s depiction of cultural capital as a critical factor in social class was unexpected. It instead highlights the importance of cultural capital in shaping our life experiences and opportunities.
Impact of the Film on Social Class and Meritocracy Views in America
Alvarez L. & Kolker A. (1999) in this movie has challenged my previous understanding of America’s social class structure. The film emphasizes how social class is about more than just an individual effort or merit, but also about the social structures and systems that shape our opportunities and life chances. The film also challenges the concept of meritocracy, which holds that people succeed based on their individual abilities and efforts. The documentary demonstrates how social class privilege and cultural capital can give certain people an advantage in life, regardless of their individual abilities or efforts.
Conclusion
Overall, the documentary “People Like Us” has provided valuable insight into the complexities of social class and how it affects our lives. It has prompted me to reflect critically on the social structures and systems that shape our opportunities and life chances, as well as to question my own assumptions about the role of individual effort in achieving success.
References
Alvarez L. & Kolker A. (1999). People Like Us [Documentary]. The Center for New American Media.
Royce, E. C. (2023). Poverty and power the problem of structural inequality. Rowman & Littlefield.