How Does Social Class Affect American Culture

According to Britannica, social class is defined as “a group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status” (Britannica, the Editors). Social classes affect how people interact with those around them, especially those in need. Many problems arise from this. Social class also causes discrimination and changes American culture in general. First off, social classes can affect people’s daily interactions. People from lower classes tend to be more open to sharing what little they have with those who have less. “People from lower-class backgrounds have to depend more on people… ‘They give more and help more. If someone’s in need they’ll respond’ ” (Social Class as). Those from higher classes gain access to more resources, tending to focus on themselves. They have a certain independence about them because they don’t have the need for others like lower classes do. Additionally, “studies have found that, as people rise in the classes, they become less empathetic” (Social Class as).

“All relationships are marked by class scrutiny: Am I higher or lower than this person?” (Monitor on Psychology). Those from the lower classes can be seen as less worthy by the upper classes. This discrimination does not only affect day-to-day meetings, they’re opportunities and life in general are affected. “Class affects… in essence, the degree of status, power and perks people enjoy or lack in their daily lives” (Monitor on Psychology). The class of someone also affects certain opportunities such as job and school choices. Even in schools, social classes cause discrimination. Many kids from lower classes get picked on and bullied because they don’t have as nice of clothes or gadgets that the children from higher classes do. This becomes our culture in a