The Effects of Social Class

The Effects of Social Class Does social class really have that much impact on a person's life and family? That is the topic that I am going to dive into today! There are different aspects of social class that I wanted to discuss today which include physical health, mental health, family life, education, and religion. Physical Health Physical health is one thing that is greatly affected by someone's social class. With low social class, it affects the ability to receive proper medical care and nutrition and often, living and working conditions are unhealthy. According to Health Equity, "Poorer neighborhoods tend to have fewer grocery stores and more fast food chains than wealthier neighborhoods, increasing nutrition problems and the risk of conditions, such as heart disease". On the other end of the spectrum, people with a higher social class have access to the medical care that they need, or just that they want, they are able to afford healthy eating styles and gym memberships. Mental Health We now know some of the effects of different social classes on physical health, we can now talk about the effects of mental health. According to the oxford dictionary, the definition of mental health is, "a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being." Members of different classes face different stressors in life. The joy and fulfillment that someone finds in their life doesn't necessarily come from their social class, but rather the perspective of their class. Similar to physical health, members of lower classes have less access to mental health help and information than members of a higher class. Family Life Patterns of marriage and childbirth, family dynamics, and home stability are strongly influenced by social class. According to this website, Probability of First Marriage Dissolution by Race/Ethnicity and Income (1995), in the United States, the probability of a first marriage ending is substantially higher for couples with low socioeconomic statuses than for those in the middle or upper class. This could be caused by lower-class couples having to deal with greater financial stress. The birth rate in countries with large impoverished populations is much higher than in wealthier countries. In the world, less developed countries struggle with overpopulation while more developed countries are dealing with low birth rates. When a family dynamic doesn't fit the normal family structure of a mom, dad, and children, they are more likely to have a lower social class. For example, a single parent would face higher costs in child care, low earnings, or both. Social class also influences the types of family structures that we are likely to experience. Studies have shown that individuals from higher SES backgrounds are more likely to marry and have children later in life, and are more likely to stay married and provide a stable home environment for their children. In contrast, individuals from lower SES backgrounds may experience higher rates of divorce, single parenthood, and non-traditional family structures. Despite these differences, it is important to recognize that social class and family are not deterministic factors. While our family background and social class can influence our opportunities and experiences, they do not determine our destiny. With hard work, determination, and access to resources, individuals from all backgrounds can achieve success and overcome the barriers imposed by social class. Education Research has shown that social class plays a critical role in determining access to educational opportunities and outcomes. Children from higher social classes are more likely to attend high-quality schools, have access to resources such as tutoring and extracurricular activities, and receive support from their families to pursue higher education. In contrast, children from lower social classes are more likely to attend underfunded and low-performing schools, have limited access to resources, and face significant barriers to accessing higher education. Religion The impact of social class on religion can also be seen in the ways in which religious institutions are organized and operate. Religious institutions in higher social class areas may have greater resources and be able to provide more programs and services, such as outreach programs, social events, and education classes. Religious institutions in lower social class areas may struggle to provide these resources and may instead focus more on providing basic needs, such as food and shelter. In conclusion, social class and family are two interconnected aspects of our lives that shape our experiences, values, and opportunities. While social class can influence the types of family structures we experience and the resources available to us, it is important to remember that our destiny is not predetermined by our social class or family background. With access to education, resources, and support, individuals from all backgrounds can achieve success and pursue their dreams. Sources: https://open.library.okstate.edu/interculturalcommunication/chapter/the-impacts-of-social-class/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11482-020-09853-y