The Social Class Ladders—Labor, Gentry, and Elite

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other than googling the author, can you post a link or copy and paste the definitions of E1, etc.? Thanks.

The links are in the original post...

[Anonymous]

So a third generational lawyer who only makes $100,000 is what? Gentry I assume and not the lowest Elite?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So a third generational lawyer who only makes $100,000 is what? Gentry I assume and not the lowest Elite?

My read is that it would depend on how they are employed. If they run their own firm and typically handle non-corporate/non-contract work, then they are likely somewhere in the Gentry ladder. To me, I read the Elite as primarily the rentier class, though lower rungs of Elites are simply in a position to acquire assets that enable them to live off of passive income. Depending on lifestyle choices they make, their kids would be more solidly Elite.

Overall, this is a very worthwhile read. One interesting thing about this is that it's extremely difficult for me to figure out where physicians land in this system. I think somewhere between G3-G2, but the details of either don't fit particularly well.

These categories actually help explain why I am currently unhappy in my high-paying job. I'm pretty sure I'm culturally solidly G2, but my job is probably a better fit for someone who would feel right at home as a G3. Notably, DH is probably more G3, which is why he doesn't really understand what it is I don't like about my job. Before moving due to DH's job, I used to have a much lower-paying job where my co-workers were G2's and E2's (maybe a couple E3/4's), and I was much happier there despite earning that far lower salary.

[Anonymous]

This is the best explanation I've seen on the nuances of class in America, since, in addition to income, it takes into consideration professions and culture.

[Anonymous]

I agree, great way of making sense of the differences and how we all end up taking past each other when we talk about income/class. For example, my cousin is probably the wealthiest person in my family as the CEO of a larger electrical contractor. But he got there by coming up through the ranks, starting as an apprentice electrician. Like most of the men in my extended family who work in the building trades. So, despite being a highly paid CEO, his values and lifestyle are more in line with the labor class.

[Anonymous]

What I like about this spread,is it is more than income. It includes "values" and perceptions.

For some, it is all about money. For others, personal satisfaction comes from other factors.

For example, financially, a university professor might not be UMC -- my BIL ( a full professor) is paid under 80K for a 9 month salary....but he is not in it for the money. For him, he (as a G2) has the perfect job.

By comparison, someone in finance, who might make 10x him, is really not in the same class....

[Anonymous]

I work in finance but would not be embarrassed to be a university professor. Many many people in my professional circle have taught university courses at some point. Maybe g2 moving up to G3?

[Anonymous]

G2 here
Dad is E3 and doesn't understand my happiness as a G2
Mom was a teacher not sure where she falls on the scale

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Other than googling the author, can you post a link or copy and paste the definitions of E1, etc.? Thanks.

The links are in the original post...

There were 3 links... this one explains what the PP is asking.

https://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/4/8/1200263/-Examining-social-class-in-the-US-Church-s-3-ladder-system

[Anonymous]

I would like to know where old money that doesn't have tens of millions to say, be on the board of Coke, lands on this. Still a great amount of cultural influence, so would it still be on the "old money" E2 level?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:G2 here
Dad is E3 and doesn't understand my happiness as a G2
Mom was a teacher not sure where she falls on the scale

I am a G2 with family that is mostly E3. I would hate their lives.

I see my nieces and nephews trying their hardest to NOT be E3s (except for 1). It will be interesting.

[Anonymous]

I like this division of 13 classes, versus the 3 we usually discuss here.

In our young stage we are currently waffling between L2 and G4, with the ability to move up the G ladder as the next 5-20 years bring opportunity in our fields.

And culturally I'm a little more G, and dh is a little more L. But his job is the one that will get us up the G ladder. More than his family, he is a G. It's the whole thing where he goes back to the 'country' (really a suburb), and they give him a funny look because he's too 'uptight' / 'educated' / 'snobby' when we are really just at the bottom of the Gs.

There is a marked difference between L and G and it's so noticible in those return-to-home moments. But there is a lot of back and forth in terms of tastes, financial habits, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like this division of 13 classes, versus the 3 we usually discuss here.

In our young stage we are currently waffling between L2 and G4, with the ability to move up the G ladder as the next 5-20 years bring opportunity in our fields.

And culturally I'm a little more G, and dh is a little more L. But his job is the one that will get us up the G ladder. More than his family, he is a G. It's the whole thing where he goes back to the 'country' (really a suburb), and they give him a funny look because he's too 'uptight' / 'educated' / 'snobby' when we are really just at the bottom of the Gs.

There is a marked difference between L and G and it's so noticible in those return-to-home moments. But there is a lot of back and forth in terms of tastes, financial habits, etc.

IDk, my West Coast family and my East cost family have those same moments... also North (DC... which is not really north) vs South.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like this division of 13 classes, versus the 3 we usually discuss here.

In our young stage we are currently waffling between L2 and G4, with the ability to move up the G ladder as the next 5-20 years bring opportunity in our fields.

And culturally I'm a little more G, and dh is a little more L. But his job is the one that will get us up the G ladder. More than his family, he is a G. It's the whole thing where he goes back to the 'country' (really a suburb), and they give him a funny look because he's too 'uptight' / 'educated' / 'snobby' when we are really just at the bottom of the Gs.

There is a marked difference between L and G and it's so noticible in those return-to-home moments. But there is a lot of back and forth in terms of tastes, financial habits, etc.

He will have a hard time fitting in with the Gs with a background like that. Never true acceptance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like this division of 13 classes, versus the 3 we usually discuss here.

In our young stage we are currently waffling between L2 and G4, with the ability to move up the G ladder as the next 5-20 years bring opportunity in our fields.

And culturally I'm a little more G, and dh is a little more L. But his job is the one that will get us up the G ladder. More than his family, he is a G. It's the whole thing where he goes back to the 'country' (really a suburb), and they give him a funny look because he's too 'uptight' / 'educated' / 'snobby' when we are really just at the bottom of the Gs.

There is a marked difference between L and G and it's so noticible in those return-to-home moments. But there is a lot of back and forth in terms of tastes, financial habits, etc.

IDk, my West Coast family and my East cost family have those same moments... also North (DC... which is not really north) vs South.

I'm pp. agree. We just happened to have family in 'flyover country' (I don't like that term really), but yeah you could have that same moment visiting family in San Diego, Boston, or charleston. Ls aren't only in Kansas or whatever.