Carol Apt
South Carolina State University, USA
Title: The stratification system of the United States: Correlations between social class and health
Biography
Biography: Carol Apt
Abstract
The United States is stratified based on class and there is both upward and downward mobility. An individual's social class is determined by three factors: education, occupation, and income. It is often assumed that there are three social classes in the United States: upper, middle, and lower, but this method of categorization is simplistic and does not give an accurate picture of America in the 21st century. This presentation will explain the stratification system as it currently exists in the United States, and will describe key characteristics of individuals living within each stratum. Specifically, the presentation will focus on the health issues faced by Americans who live in the lower social classes, with emphasis on poverty, obesity, and life expectancy.