How to Understand Class: A Class Development Series, Part 1

Welcome to the first post of the Class Development Series. This series will be focused on the American class system. For members outside of the American class system, take note of any differences from the US class system and see if you could apply things from this series to your life. This certainly applies to those in Westernized systems of class and structure. Let’s begin with the definition of class in this context. As the second definition, Merriam-Webster describes class as “a group sharing the same economic or social status” and “a social rank.” To break this down further, class encompasses a group of people who grew up in similar beliefs, education, income, and environment. Every person is a part of a class status since America is a capitalist society. However, those who are not in a capitalist society will still have a class system. It’s a part of life, and it is based on human behavior to become a part of a tribe of people. The focus in American society can be simplified into one statement: “the haves and the have-nots.” Those who have the income requirements, pedigree, prestige, and education are the haves. The have-nots do not have…