Class and Inequality

     Class and inequality exist in society and is not easily discussed. It is studied in Sociology and those considered poor may have factors in their lives that may contribute to lack of education to an earlier death. So many factors contribute to where and how we live in society.
    
     Opportunity to change classes may not be easily acquired. Life chances help us but not that often does it change your class. Most extreme wealth is usually inherited and your social status is as well. Our health and education are affected by our class. Where and how much money we have effects our lifestyle.
    
     If one is born wealthy it is hard for these people to relate to the struggles of the poor. A certain group may even see these people as undeserving. Many critizeze the welfare system but it only takes a marginal amount of money to secure housing and food for those who need it. The media sees the poor as an eyesore so their struggles become silented. The people who were just involved in the storm "Sandy" have lost everything but were hard working individuals and are now in relative poverty. People can become faceless if we ignore the needs. Our race and ethnicity, age, family, gender all contribute to who we are and where we fit in. Is it fair to judge people without knowing their circumstances?
   
     Education is crucial to improving your life. You will earn more money with a college education. But wealthier young people get a boost if their parents get them a good job with their connections. We all work to improve ourselves. I am going to college to get a better paying job or start my own business.
    
     There is inequality within our own country. It surprised me to find men in America and Angola could have the same survival rate. Our circumstances define us to a degree but can we change them?