Writing Portfolio Assignment: Four-Class Or Three-Class Mod ✓ Solved

Writing Portfolio Assignment: Four-Class, or Three-Class Model? Persua

After completing this week's reading, pick one of the models discussed by Cherlin (4 social classes, or 3 status groups), and persuasively argue why this is your preferred way to understand social class and status in the US.

I say "a single position" because we do know there is value to understanding US social classes in either mechanism. This is a forced-choice assignment. You cannot say both are equally as good (or equally as terrible), or write an essay about the pros and cons of both. Important: I will not give you a worse grade for choosing one model over the other. The key is evaluating these two options and writing a persuasive response about one of them.

As long as your argumentation is sound either way and you meet the requirements of this rubric, you will earn a great grade! In a short paragraph ( words), describe/define each model succinctly and clearly, including the breakouts defined. Then, identify the advantages of your preferred model in adequately representing family inequality, and at least one disadvantage of the model you have not chosen. You should include in-text citations at the end of your sentences where you have cited course material—I've given direct examples in the template you will download and complete. Be sure to start your paragraph with a topic sentence that summarizes the key information, and conclude with a conclusion sentence.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

While scholars differ in approach to understanding family inequalities, I argue that social classes and status groups in the US today are best explained by the four-class model. The four-class model divides society into the working class, the middle class, the upper class, and the underclass, each characterized by distinct economic and social attributes (Cherlin, 2018). The working class typically includes individuals engaged in manual labor with limited economic mobility, while the middle class comprises professionals, managers, and small business owners who possess some degree of economic security and cultural capital. The upper class consists of wealthiest individuals and families with substantial economic resources and social influence, often inherited through generations. The underclass includes those experiencing persistent poverty, marginalization, and limited access to education or upward mobility (Cherlin, 2018). In contrast, the three-status-groups model categorizes society into the upper, middle, and lower status groups. This model emphasizes social prestige and cultural factors, rather than strictly economic distinctions. The upper group holds high prestige and influence, the middle group maintains moderate social standing, and the lower group is characterized by limited prestige and access to resources (Treiman, 2017).

Among these, I believe the four-class model most effectively captures the complexities of social class in the US. Its detailed categorization allows for a nuanced understanding of economic disparities, including how class impacts family life, educational opportunities, and social mobility. Notably, the four-class model accounts for the existence of a distinct underclass, which the three-status model often overlooks. This classification helps to explain persistent poverty and social exclusion, revealing structural barriers that influence family inequality and societal stratification (Lareau, 2011). For instance, the recognition of the underclass highlights issues such as concentrated poverty, neighborhood effects, and intergenerational disadvantage that are central to understanding family inequality (Wilson, 2012). Conversely, the three-status model simplifies society into broad categories based primarily on prestige rather than specific economic or social distinctions, which can obscure the realities faced by those in the underclass or lower middle class. This lack of granularity limits its capacity to address policy concerns around economic mobility and social justice functions in contemporary America.

Overall, the four-class model is best for capturing how family inequality works in the US because it offers detailed insight into the economic and social divisions that shape family experiences and societal outcomes. Its ability to differentiate between various degrees of social privilege and deprivation makes it a valuable tool for understanding the persistent inequalities across generations. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by each class, policymakers and social scientists can better target interventions aimed at reducing inequality and fostering social mobility (Bourdieu, 1986). The model’s detailed structure underscores that class distinctions are not merely about income but also involve cultural capital and social networks, which are crucial factors influencing family prosperity and stability. Thus, the four-class framework provides a comprehensive perspective that aligns with empirical observations and supports effective policy-making toward reducing social disparities.

References

• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.
• Cherlin, A. (2018). The Shape of the American Family. University of California Press.
• Lareau, A. (2011). Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life. University of California Press.
• Treiman, P. (2017). Social inequalities: Focus on class and status. Harvard University Press.