Summary - Class in America

In Gregory Mantsio's essay "class in America", Mantsios argues that in spite of certain myths regarding social class in America such as it being a classless mostly middle class society. He asserts that socio-economic disparity is real and that number of rich people is decreasing and getting richer while the number of lower class Americans is increasing and becoming poorer suffering from economic, educational, and health disadvantages. The author's purpose is to enlighten Americans about the reality of social class and the economic spectrum.

Mantsios argues that that American culture and media largely project that America is a "classless" society of largely middle class, upwardly mobile Americans. The truth is that Americans don't like to speak about the economic disparity especially those situated in the upper class society. Another myth he brings up is that all Americans are equal and have an equal opportunity of achieving success.

However the truth as Mantsios asserts is that there is an enormous gap between the rich and the poor in the economic spectrum. Either they have money or they don't. This gap is causing shrinkage of the wealthy population and the growing of the underprivileged and the loss of their capital.

Next the author compares individuals with different economic status and ethnicities. American life styles show how there is huge disparity medically and economically. Mantsios asserts that there is a correlation between health and money. People who have resources can afford medical expenses and therefore be healthier as in opposite people who don't have the resources tend to have health issues.

Mantsios further claims that birth circumstances and how far a person can get in education and jobs have a correlation. If a person happens to be born in a family from the upper class it is more likely for this person to pursue a higher education and therefore obtain a better paying job. On the other hand if this person had been born in a lower class society, the probability according to Mantsios is that this individual would be less likely to achieve success due to the disadvantages of being poor.

Finally the author asserts that race and sex have an effect on social class standing. Women and minorities face oppression when it comes to reaching their potential as healthy, creative, productive individuals. These groups suffer from discrimination and sexism make in it harder for them to achieve success.