I've always wondered why social class isn't a topic that is much discussed but we all think about often. Who hasn't ever wondered what it's like to hit the lottery and live lavish? The categorization of social classes and the division between them has always had an eminent impact on America. This categorization of class has not allowed for the equal opportunity for all Americans. In Gregory Mantsios article, "Class in America – 2009," he uses statistical evidence, data and many examples to dismember four common myths Americans still believe about social class. It could not be any clearer, that citizens from different social backgrounds live a different lifestyle in comparison to other classes, and each class provides different opportunities to its affiliates. The higher within the pyramid of class a person is ranked, the more advantage an individual has in comparison to a lower class individual. The responsibility is on everyone to eliminate this division and restructure the foundation of the "American Way." In the article "The New American Divide," written by Charles Murray, he claims that this division amongst the different social classes is from Americans shying away from our cultural values of marriage, education and hard work (354). Whatever the reason for the separation between classes, we all as Americans should be entitled to equal rights and opportunities. And everyone is not being given an equal chance to succeed.
The environment in which you live and work, the wealth you incur over your lifespan and the property ownership an individual yields, are the basic inputs that dictate where a person is categorized according to their social identity. I'd argue that pre Industrial Revolution, the synergy between the social classes was much more common than we see in the 21st century. Although this 19th century revolution had undoubtedly positive effects on America and its overall wealth, it was the point in time that started the segregation of the classes.