Social class refers to “a hierarchical distinctions (or stratification) between individuals or groups in societies or cultures” (Webster’s online dictionary, n.d.). Typically, American social class is based on a variety of diverse characteristics including wealth, net worth, occupation, education, political standing, housing, and ownership of possessions. In addition to these factors are the superficial diverse aspects of personal hygiene, manners, morals, attitude, and materialist items such as dress, hair, vehicles, and jewelry. Some of the elements are obvious and can be seen while others are considered more private. The objective of this paper is to share an observation of a social class other than my own and in conclusion develop a personal action plan based on what I learn and how I will use my new found knowledge as it relates to diversity consciousness.
Observation
I consider myself middle-class based on my college degree, profession, income, and ownership of a home and vehicle. Because I consider myself middle-class, I chose to observe what I believe to be members of upper and lower class. I decided to take advantage of the back to school season and choose two locations where school children and their parents would buy clothing. I chose the stores based on reputation. I spent time at the upscale Macy’s in the Mall of America and at the secondhand store Goodwill. To make my observations not so obvious I browsed the clothing sections and even tried items on. Macy’s was definitely more out of my comfort zone because it is so expensive and fancy. I even felt uncomfortable in the restroom. Another factor that increased my discomfort knew I didn’t look as well as the other customers. I was among individuals with purses that cost more than my mortgage. I felt uncomfortable at Goodwill, but not nearly as uncomfortable as I did at Macy’s. I felt uncomfortable at Goodwill because I could not get over the idea of wearing clothing that used to be someone else’s. My thoughts kept going back to yuck, who knows where these clothes have been.
Goodwill’s customers were more diverse and made-up of various races and cultures, while Macy’s customers were predominantly Caucasians. In comparing the two locations, Goodwill had a lot more children running around unattended by adults. At goodwill there were no Louis Vuitton purses and more individuals in sweats and no makeup. Another difference in the locations was that the parking lot of the Goodwill had an array of vehicles ranging from old beaters to typical SUVs from Ford or GMC while the parking lot at Macy’s had Mercedes, Lexus, and Cadillacs. Because Macy’s is only one of many stores at the Mall of America I cannot be certain that all the vehicles parked at the lot nearest the store were indeed there for Macy’s. While in the upscale store I observed a teen girl shopping with her mother. The two were very well dressed and obviously take care of themselves. I noticed the teen spent most of her time on her phone texting and seemed more interested in the phone than the shopping. She didn’t seem very conscious to price or quality of the clothes. It led me to wonder if the type of store and price of clothing even meant anything to her or if she doesn’t know any different. Ironically while at the Goodwill I saw a preteen girl shopping with her mother. I overheard the girl’s excitement when she came across a sweater from Hollister. Her mother looked at the price and was hesitant but gave in and put the sweater in the kart. I found it interesting that the teen at Macy’s could not care less about the brand name of the clothes where the preteen at Goodwill was thriller about finding a name brand.
Perception Before, During, and After
My perception of the upper class going into this observation was one of uncertainty and inferiority. I always believed the upper class was snotty and spends their time in expensive houses and drive expensive cars, all while they relax at the country club. I see now, that I stereotyped this group of individuals and through the observation realized just because I can’t afford to buy all my clothes at Macy’s, I am not inferior. I also think the car you drive does not define who you are. My perception post observation is that I still feel it is ridiculous to spend two-hundred dollars on a pair of jeans or over a thousand dollars on a purse, but money is not the only thing that defines upper class. Members of the upper class have the same responsibilities as everyone else, they still raise children and bring them shopping for school clothes. Upon the end of my Macy’s observation, I did not feel comfortable because it is still an unfamiliar setting filled with material things I cannot afford.
My perception on the lower class going into this observation was of pity and compassion because I always thought life was harder for the lower class. I always believed the lower class struggles day-to-day to pay their bills and put food on the table. I see now, that again, I stereotyped this group of individuals and that even though the clothing they buy may be second hand, it is still clothing and serves the purpose it is intended to. Someone who drove their beater car to Goodwill and bought school clothes for their children are doing the same thing as the people who buy the clothes at Macy’s, Target, Wal-Mart, or Kohl’s. Who knows, maybe the clothes being bought at the Goodwill are the lightly used clothes from someone who bought them at Macy’s the year before.
Social Consciousness
Social consciousness is being aware of and understanding the diverse ways in which people are different. I did not see any strong displays of social consciousness, maybe if I had chosen a different setting or spent more time in each place. I did not see any obvious social inequalities while in each of the stores, but in comparing the two observations, saw many differences. In addition to the differences I have already explained the conclusion I have come to is that no matter what store you go to or how much you spend on clothing or food or a house or a car, everyone’s needs are the same. Thought I did not observe any traits of social consciousness in the individuals I observed, I have heightened my awareness of diversity consciousness. I will use all I have learned from these observations to form my personal action plan.
Personal Action Plan
In conclusion of this paper, my personal action plan will be a lifelong goal of stepping out of the box and reminding myself through other observations that diversity is an important aspect of every day interactions. Bucher (2010) explains the six traits of diversity consciousness as “examining ourselves and our worlds, expanding our knowledge of others and their worlds, stepping outside of ourselves, gauging the level of the playing field, checking up on ourselves, and following through” (p. 124). Through my current observations I have focused on the 2nd trait of expanding my knowledge of others and their world. I have gained knowledge in this area because I have experienced the upper class in an upper class setting as well as experienced the lower class in a lower class setting. In comparing the two observations, I was able to assess everyday living from two new perspectives. Another trait I have focused on during the observations is the 3rd trait of stepping outside of ourselves because if it were not for this assignment I would not have gone to either of the stores. It is also this trait that I think I need the most improvement in because I was nervous to step out of my comfort zone. This experience has shown me that stepping out of the comfort is not that bad. To improve this trait I need to step outside of my comfort zone more often. In addition, improving this trait will be evidenced by exploration the 6th trait of following through. Just saying I want to increase my diverse experiences is not enough, I need to actually seek out new experiences and reflect on what I learn from them.