Social Class in Astoria
From The Peopling of Astoria, Queens
An Ethnographic Study of Class in Astoria, Queens
Social class in Astoria is a topic that is seldom talked about in the community
All participants in our study of social class in Astoria were asked not to include income level in their responses, thus being forced to consider more personal and objective methods of determining social classes. Respondents were sectioned off into 3 groups based upon age.
Among the adolescent crowd of the community, social class is not much of an issue. Often times individuals do not have an opinion on the subject, and even those who did respond, did so without much conviction.
Adolescents (age 16-24)
Most Common Factors for determining social class: Designer Clothing, Jewelry, Expensive Cars
The middle-aged demographic in Astoria, those ages 25-45, are predominantly the working class of the community. Focus should be placed on their opinion for the fact that these individuals are active members in the work world and can experience the effects of social class first-hand.
Adults (age-25-45)
Most Common Factors for determining social class: Material (clothing, jewelry), type of home, culture, economic standing (jobs).
The older demographic (those over the age of 45) held true to traditional views of social class. Most of the individuals were quite opinionated about social class and not shy about expressing their views. This demographic is one who has seen the evolvement of social class, but may not grasp the molding of these classes, and therefore the decline in its importance.
Older Adults (ages 45+)
Most Common Factors for determining social class: Economic standing, traditional family background, culture
"The distinctions separating the social classes are false; in the last analysis they rest on force."
-- Albert Einstien