Running head: CLASS IN AMERICA
1
Class in America
In my reading this week I was particularly drawn to the idea of class in America; its
social manifestations and the understanding that class structure is a function of the economic
system of capitalism (Mantsios, 2014). One belief held in America that obscures the reality of
class differences and the impact of class on people’s lives is:
Class really doesn’t matter in the United States. Whatever differences do exist in
economic standing, they are, for the most part, irrelevant. Our democracy provides for all
regardless of economic class: Rich or poor, we are all equal in the eyes of the law
(Mantsios, 2014, p. 190).
This myth masks the reality of the truth that there are great differences in the lifestyles of the
economically advantaged and disadvantaged; and that class has a significant impact on our
physical and mental well-being. This false belief and many other myths about class are held into
place through class domination and our economic system of capitalism (Mantsios, 2014).
Often due to consumerism and our modern technological society, differences of privilege
can be difficult to see at the surface level. However the differences in class impact our lives in
profound ways. Class standing determines: where one’s home is, who one’s friends are, how
well one is educated, the means by which one earns a living, and what one can come to expect
from life (Mantsios, 2014). As stated by Mantsios (2014), “People do not choose to be poor or
working class; instead they are limited and confined by the opportunities afforded or denied them
by a social and economic system” (p. 202). The system of capitalism focuses on private profit for
the infinitesimal privileged, neglecting the necessary fulfillment of societal needs for the masses.
Through our system of capitalism, most are not allowed to reach their full potential in life
(Mantsios, 2014).
CLASS IN AMERICA
2
This understanding of class in America that gives privilege to a minute few and does not
allow the majority to reach their full potential was of significant importance to me because it
gave me new perspectives in understanding our social system. I can see the economic advantage,
to the powerful and dominant in America, of a system that perpetuates the myth that class is
irrelevant and that our democracy provides for all. This understanding of class in America has
broadened my insight that democracy and capitalism are not synonymous terms, as we are often
conditioned to believe. Instead of viewing class in terms of individual choices and placing the
burden of circumstance on an individual, I have come to understand the capitalistic function of
class that takes away the opportunities for most while catering to the rich. The new perspectives I
have learned has allowed me to see the impacts of class on individual choice and the
consequences to the underprivileged classes of a capitalistic system.
Identifying the consequences and the truths of class as it relates to individual
circumstances is an action that can assist me in greater personal growth. Class affects numerous
areas of an individual’s psychosocial health. Identifying the consequences of class will allow me
to better understand myself and those in need of services. It will assist me in evaluating the needs
of my clients as well as find best solutions that will aid my clients to achieve their full potential.
Disowning class myths and seeking class truths will give me greater empathy for individuals that
are different than me and assist me towards greater personal growth.
CLASS IN AMERICA
3
References
Mantsios, G. (2014). Class in America-2012. In P. S. Rothenberg (Ed.), Race, class, and gender
in the United States (pp. 189-207). New York: Worth Publishers.