In the United States today there are three clear distinctions in the social structure. The stratification system has evolved three social classes in the American social structure: Rich, Middle Class, and Poor. Social class is defined as groups of people who share a similar position in the stratification system, or in laymen's terms the division of ranks and wealth within societies. The definition of stratification is the unequal distribution of rewards (or of things perceived as valuable) among members of a society. These two aspects of a society lead to a distinct social structure.
The family is a major staple of American life. Families nurture, protect and provide for you as a child and support you in your life choices as an adult. Social class has a huge effect on family life. Social class defines what opportunities are available to you. Your place in society is directly related to the status of your family in the social structure. For example, the daughter of Sam Walton, the creator of Wal-Mart has more wealth and opportunities available to her than a grocery clerk's daughter. This is not to say that Ms. Walton would experience a happier home life than the other daughter, just more opportunities for hobbies and better schools.
The rich in America live affluently and are accustomed to having busy social lives this is reflected in their family life. The rich do not have as "close-knit" families as other Americans. They often have an attitude of being better than others and this carries over into their family relationships. They tend to live further apart making frequent family occasions difficult. Rich families are apt to be smaller than other families because they are more reserved and have easy access to birth control. Single parent homes are not common among the rich. The rich have added time for leisure allowing them more time to dedicate to pursuing self-interests and hobbies.
