Social classes are the different status of people in the society either small or large with variations in wealth, material possessions or resources, authority, power, and prestige. The way people live tends to be an essential factor since it helps to identify to which class or group they belong. In this discussion, I will focus on different characteristics that are used to distinguish one in a particular social class and how it affects their self-image and life expectations.

The social status of a person in society is the one that defines people’s characters.  Therefore, this different status leads to inequality in the community in terms of standings; beauty, prestige, esteem, respect, intelligence, opportunities, and some cases involve physical ability too. People from different social status will view each other differently either positively or negatively. Mostly the upper-class people will be marked with adoration and respect while the underclass people will primarily be seen negatively.

For example, the case of Tammy’s story in the video shows how one social status can characterize how people in different social classes mark each other. According to People Like Us – the CNAM channel, the underclass level of Tammy and appearance, made her children not to be proud of her (minute 2). Matt, one of her children, said that he was embarrassed by her mother looks and he would not proudly introduce her to his friends.He also viewed himself in a different classfrom his family. Outside people or neighbors also disrespectsTammy due to her poor living.Sometimes when she walks to work, some people call her nasty words like‘trashy bitch’ meaning they view her like trash. Tammy is unhappy; this is because of how people around seeherincluding her children. She is characterized as trashy and unfortunate due to her status.

Children are the most affected by their family status while growing. They are affected positively or negatively socially, physically and economically. The upper-class children will have a privilege of getting into good schools, living in stately homes, wearing nice clothes, fabulous holidays and recreations. While on the other hand, thekids from underclass status will be underprivileged. They will probably not achieve their goals, dreams or have pride in themselves dueto lack of many things. In most cases the poor end up having negative growth in terms of behavioral issues.

For example in Tammy’s situation in the video, it’s highly possible that she is in her position because of the environment she was brought up in. Her father had to take care of twenty-two kids.Maybe her father could not afford to help college fee; therefore, she could not pursue her dream of becoming a school teacher. Due to the environment, her children grew in they developed laziness, self-doubt, low self-esteem, negativity, and had low expectations in life. In the video, Matt was embarrassed by his home appearance, his mother’s appearance and how his brother dressed in school, therefore, most of the time disowning them in public. Matt also said he did not believe he was a Harvard material. Matt’s brother saw his brother as his role model because of the way he dressed and his popularity in school. All this showed low self-image and low expectation of the kids.

In conclusion, it is evident that people from different status in society will always mark or view each other differently.Besides, the children growing in these kinds of environments are either affected positively or negatively by their situation. Like in the video, Tammy’s story is the best example of the impact social difference make in our societies in terms of characterization and growth of the children.

Works Cited

People Like Us – the CNAM channel. “Tammy’s Story – People Like us Episode #4.”Online video clip. YouTube, 30 Nov 2015.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZpauS5Doo. 21 Feb 2019.

 
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