Social Class

The definition of social class is a group of people in society who share a common income, education and occupational level.  The same types of personalities can be found in the higher, middle and lower classes even though their living conditions and experiences may be very different.  For example, kids that are raised in an upper or middle class may have the opportunity to experience more social and recreational events—vacations, restaurants, music venues, etc.  They will usually be given more things including clothes and electronics.  Some will appreciate it and some will not.  Most people in Barrington are in the upper class, resulting in a better education, designer clothing and nice houses.  Is this all good?  It is not!  Many kids are downright spoiled!  They may also take advantage of their environment.  They have more than they could ever use.  Some will share their wealth and some won’t.  In class we did an activity where cookies were distributed to the students based on their fictitious social status.  Those that were in the “upper class” received more cookies than those that were in the “lower class”.  Some of the kids with many cookies kept all of them for themselves, but some of the kids shared them with those less fortunate.  This happens in our society when some of the fortunate give to charities and volunteer their time to help others.  It is also a fact that in the lower classes, we have generous, caring people and we also have greedy, self-centered people.  Many times, how we are raised and the influence of our parents and families will mold us into the people we become.  This happens at all income levels, no matter what social status we are in.