Social Class in America: A Comprehensive Analysis
by Margie Garcia
1. Intersectionality Impact
2. Educational Achievement Gaps Key Disparities:
2.1. Race & Social Class:
2.2. Family social class explains up to 80% of racial and ethnic achievement gaps (Paul L. Morgan, 2024).
2.3. Compounded disadvantages
2.4. Resource access limitations
3. 1. Early Education: Lower-income children start school significantly behind their wealthier peers (Emma Garcia & Elaine Weiss, 2017).
3.1. Gender & Social Class:
3.2. Different educational expectations
3.3. Career Pathway influences
3.4. STEM participation gaps
3.5. Leadership opportunity differences
4. 2. K-12 Education: Resources disparities between schools. Teacher quality differences. access to advanced programs. Technology gaps.
4.1. Long-term Outcomes
4.2. Career Trajectories
4.3. Income Potential
4.4. Social Mobility
4.5. Generational Impact
4.6. Quality of Life
5. 3. Higher Eduction: College sccess barriers. Student debt burden. Completion rte difference. Career pathway limitations
6. Upper Class (Top 1-2%)
6.1. Income: $373, 000 + annually
6.2. Characteristics: Substantial wealth and Investments. Advanced degrees from prestigious instituations. Executive positions. Social influence. Generational wealth common.
7. Upper Middle Class (15-16%)
7.1. Income: &150,000- $373,000
7.2. Characteristics: Advnced degrees. Management positions. High home ownership rates. Strong retirement savings. Children likely to attend private school.
8. Middle Class (50 - 51%)
8.1. Income: $52,000-$155,00
8.2. Characteristics: Bachelor's degree common. White-collar professionals. Homeowners or aspiring homeowners. Some savings/investments. Focus on chilfren's education. (Pallovi & Anna Diederichs, 2014))
9. Working Class (30%)
9.1. Income: $30,000 - $52,000
9.2. Characteristics: High school or some college. Blue-collar or service jobs. Limited Savings. Rent or modest home ownership. Living paycheck to paycheck common.
10. Lower Class (9-10%)
10.1. Income: Below $30,000
10.2. Characteristics: Limited education access. Unstable employment. Reliance on public assistance. Limited access to healthcare. Housing insecurity.