Social Class

Social Stratification (layering groups or countries by wealth and assets) plays a huge role in personal relationships. We hear of someone looking for a "sugar daddy" or "sugar momma," but can those relationships really work?

This is a picture of my parents on their wedding day. My father was a truck driver with an 8th grade education (which in 1962 was actually more stringent than it is now, and it was the only legal requirement). He came from a simple family of practical, manual laborers. My mother's family was upper middle class whose ancestors emigrated from England very poor, but created great wealth in mining when they came across "The Pond" in the mid 1800s. Her father grew up with servants and cooks living in the house. My mother completed a high school education. My father passed away in Summer 2010 but mom is still living, and I love(d) and appreciate(d) them equally.

Both of their families never thought the marriage would last and they were right (they divorced when I was 9 months old). As you read this week's chapter, what social class factors might have played a role in the demise of their marriage? In other words, despite their best efforts did their social classes and accompanying socialization play a role and how? Is it better to marry endogamously? (You'll have to research that word in order to answer that question. Impress your classmates! Impress me!)
In addition, don't forget to be prepared to answer what the Titanic (you know, that big ship that sank) has to do with social stratification in social life. The links below will help you understand.

View this YouTube link on social class in 1957. The concepts are the same today.

YouTube: 1957 2 of 2 Social Class in America
I just found this link too.
Wealth Inequality in America 

See you next week.

Christa