Social Stratification
...o the resources they need, and they will most likely advance in their rank standing. It can be argued whether these top two classes are made up of intelligent and hard working individuals or merely people taking advantage of their social connections. The middle class makes up the largest sector in the US class system and earned 14.6% of the total income. Middle class families live relatively comfortable lives, some better than others, but on average, basic life necessities are met and surplus amenities are available. Inherited tools and motivations to succeed limit their access to resources and these citizens must work a bit harder to find their own avenues for accomplishment. The fourth class is the working poor and they live pay check to pay check and continually strive and budget to make ends meet. They generally have no accumulated wealth and consistently struggle with financial problems. Often working two or three jobs at one time, they are not offered much in benefits or even in personal satisfaction. Children of working poor parents often sacrifice their own potential gains in order to financially contribute to the family. The working poor earned 8.7% of the US income in 2001. The remaining 20% of society falls into the lowest class, the impoverished, earning 3.5% of the total income. The lives of the lower class are unstable and insecure. They suffer from insufficient funds for the fundamental necessities of life. They can't afford housing, transportation, food, sanitation, education, childcare, or healthcare. A common cold can mean life or death to someone living on the streets. Other causes of death include: disease, neglect, accidents, or violence. The lives of the lower class are highly unsafe and extremely stressful. The resources available through the welfare system encourage government dependency because they are limited and only partially offer the funds and resources that are necessary to pull the lower class out of the poverty cycle. The conflict created by economic inequality and social stratification is severely affecting the quality of life and cohesion in the United States. The unequal distribution and accessibility of resources under the capitalist system is widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Inequality in education, healthcare, job opportunities, and housing facilities play a major role in perpetuating the economic divide and classifying the American people. When the richest 20% of the population own 80% of the country's wealth and have 50% of the income, with a resulting poverty rate of 33 million, there is an obvious need for change. Social status and self-respect are closely connected with wealth and property, and so to maintain power, Americans are encouraged to strive for more, which in ...