Social Class Autobiography

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the subject of social class and relates that it
transcends actual wealth because the concept relates much more to issues regarding social networking, values, beliefs, and personal identity. Furthermore, the paper discusses how social class often relates to whom one knows, how well-connected a person is in the community, and what ethnic background an individual is part of. The writer then discusses various issues regarding social class such as careers, associating with the correct people etc., and looks at how these issues relate to her own life.

From the Paper:

"In spite of the limitations I place on myself in terms of who I associate with, I have been able to make friends from different class backgrounds. I learn a lot from my friends, who have taught me the value of understanding where others come from and how their self-concept is shaped by their families. The people I know from lower class backgrounds or who are very poor sometimes feel hopeless because of the long uphill battle they would have to climb if they wanted to attend university. Because their parents cannot afford tuition, they rely on scholarships or financial grants. If they attend a community college, they mark themselves as a lower class to middle class background because usually community colleges are attended by the students whose families cannot afford to send them to a larger state university. Thus, I am aware of the ways society imposes limitations on our ability to change our social class even if the United States is a more liberal society than most. I have a balanced perspective about social class: on the one hand I acknowledge the ways social class has affected my identity and my friendships, my goals and my dreams. On the other hand, I seek to transcend class and have access to different sources of income, different outlooks on life, and different social circles."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hurst, Charles. Social Inequality. 6th Edition.
• Werschkul, Ben and Tse, Archie. "How Class Works." The New York Times.

More papers on Social Class Autobiography:

• Analytical Essay # 45626 : "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man"
• Essay # 84185 : "Social Class, Gender, Age and the Media"
• Comparison Essay # 88041 : "Literature Study"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: