Social Class and Diversity in the Workforce

Abstract

This chapter examines the ways in which social class is manifested in the workforce. It explains the social class economic structure in America, including a description of levels of social class within the economic structure. Classism is a consequence of social class structures and refers to the differential treatment based on social class or perceived social class. A discussion on social class in the working environment and ways in which social class can be manifested and perceived from a noneconomic perspective are given. The privileged classes represent varying degrees of power in the United States. This group is often classified as having inherited wealth or old money or new money, as represented in earned wealth. The majority of the population in the United States is middle class. The lower class experiences greater inequality and is characterized by struggle, insufficiency, and limited education. The chapter discusses the emerging perspectives of social class in America.