Essay week #3

STIGMA AND SOCIAL CLASS

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Stigma is such a clandestine , subconscious condition that most people today are not even aware that they are applying the principles of stigma and the resulting prejudice in their daily lives . It brings a negative image to mind , even though many are unclear about how it can be properly described . So exactly how can stigma be defined ? Stigma is a characteristic or deviance that sets an individual apart and brands that person unique from the majority percentage of the surrounding population

p Stigma is much easier to understand , if it is examined in terms of the three types as outlined by sociologist Erving Goffman . So , what are the three types of stigma that pervade the lives of virtually every human being on the planet ? One type is abomination of the body This type of stigma is defined by physical features . This aspect encompasses , but is not limited to , genetic abnormalities , missing limbs or scarring from injuries , and blindness . The second type of stigma is blemish of individual character . This type of stigma is indicative to character or personality flaws such as alcoholism , drug addition criminal tendencies , and moral insufficiencies such as dishonesty . The third type of stigma is tribal stigma . Tribal stigma is defined as prejudice toward an individual because of ethnic background , religious preference , color or nationality

Stigma , however , is not limited to the three categories listed above The population of every nation , no matter how democratic , is distinctly divided into five social classes . The United States is no exception to this rule . The question here is , what are the five classes and how are its members affected by stigma ? These five social classes are defined by net worth and income . The highest social class is appropriately called upper class . As its name indicates , it encompasses the highest income and net

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worth bracket . Although only 5 of the population in America is upper class , its members receive 20 of all yearly income . It is divided into three categories : old money (families who have been upper class and wealthy for many generations , new money (those with new found wealth ) and the bottom rung (corporate owners , celebrities , and millionaires . Yearly income of the upper class is in excess of 250 ,000 .00 per year . Upper middle class individuals who earn an excess of 100 ,000 .00 per year , such as doctors , lawyers and other professions that would be considered upper management that require advanced college degrees . This segment numbers at about 15 of all Americans . Lower middle class is the largest (about 33 ) and earn between 30 ,000 .00 and 75 ,000 .00 per year . Professions would include lower management and white collar workers . The working class , those who hold blue collar and clerical jobs , number at 30 and earn 16 ,000 .00 to 30 ,000 .00 per year . 14 of American the population is lower class and is the most effected by economic and job...