The Illusion of Social Class

The division of social classes has existed since the beginning of time, segregating people into different castes based on their societal position. This class system has created an unhealthy cycle of poverty, segregation, oppression, and division among people. The purpose of this reflection is to shed light on the illusion of social class and how it perpetuates an unhealthy society.

Reflection: The social class system is a pyramid structure with the higher upper class at the top and the lower low class at the bottom. At the very top of the pyramid are the ultra-rich, the super wealthy, the aristocrats, and the political elite. These are the people who have the most power and control over the resources and decision-making processes in society. As we move down the pyramid, we encounter the upper middle class, the lower middle class, and the working class.

At the bottom of the pyramid are the lower low class, who are the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. They are often the ones who perform the most essential tasks, such as cleaning, managing waste, driving trucks and buses, and producing food, but they are also the ones who receive the least amount of recognition and support. They are the ones who have to work the hardest for the least amount of pay, and they are the ones who are most affected by the injustices of the class system.

Breaking down the illusion of social class requires a paradigm shift in thinking. The middle middle class needs to realize that together with the lower middle class, upper low class, middle low class, and lower low class, they make up the majority of society. They are the ones who truly hold the power and provide the essential services that keep society functioning. The collective group of lower classes needs to come together and support each other to rise up and claim their worth and power in society.

Examples of Social Class in Different Societies:

European Continent: In European societies, the social class pyramid is still evident today. The ultra-rich and political elite hold the most power and resources, while the lower classes continue to struggle to make ends meet. The working class, which includes teachers, nurses, and other essential service providers, often have to work multiple jobs to provide for their families. In many European countries, there are also large immigrant populations that are often relegated to the lower classes, facing discrimination and limited access to resources.

African Continent: In many African societies, the social class pyramid is often based on a combination of economic and tribal hierarchies. The ultra-rich and political elite hold the most power and resources, while the lower classes struggle to access basic needs such as clean water, healthcare, and education. There is also often a divide between urban and rural areas, with those in urban areas having greater access to resources and opportunities.

East Asian Continent: In many East Asian societies, the social class pyramid is often based on education and professional status. Those who have obtained higher education and work in prestigious professions hold the most power and resources, while those in lower-paying jobs or without access to education struggle to make ends meet. There is also often a significant wealth gap between urban and rural areas, with those in urban areas having greater access to resources and opportunities.

American Continent: In North and South American societies, the social class pyramid is often based on a combination of economic, racial, and social hierarchies. The ultra-rich and political elite hold the most power and resources, while those in the lower classes, particularly marginalized communities such as Indigenous and Black communities, often face systemic discrimination and limited access to resources. The working class, which includes essential service providers such as healthcare workers and farmworkers, often have to work multiple jobs to provide for their families.

Key Points:
• The social class system creates an unhealthy cycle of poverty, segregation, oppression, and division among people.
• The lower low class is the most vulnerable and marginalized in society, but also the most essential for society to function.
• The middle middle class and lower classes make up the majority of society and hold the real power and worth.
• The collective group of lower classes needs to come together and support each other to rise.

Suggested resourses:

”The Power Elite\” by C. Wright Mills
\”The Great Divide: Unequal Societies and What We Can Do About Them\” by Joseph E. Stiglitz
\”The New Class Society: Goodbye American Dream?\” by Robert Perrucci and Earl Wysong
\”Class Matters\” by The New York Times
\”Social Class in America\” by PBS

Suggested blogs and websites:

Global Voices
Africa is a Country
Asia Society
Latino Rebels
The Conversation Africa

Remember to critically evaluate the sources you come across and check for bias and accuracy. Reading widely from diverse sources will help broaden your understanding of social class across different cultures and regions.