How does social class define and constrain individuals and groups in America?

Those with less money and education typically fall into the lower class. Lack of money and education often excludes people in this group from obtaining a better position in life. This is because time and money must go to securing basic needs rather than pursuing one's dreams or even pursuing meaningful self-improvement that could allow them to get out of their current situation.

Working class people, sometimes called blue collar people, have typically been exposed to more job training and therefore are able to hold better jobs. Unfortunately, their opportunities for advancement are limited in the workforce because of a limited education. Even though working class people sometimes earn large salaries, they might not be as respected in social circles as those with higher education.

Middle class, or white collar workers, typically have higher education and more prestigious jobs. These jobs may or may not make more money than blue collar jobs, but people in America tend to respect this group more because they're considered the largest, and thus most common, income demographic. Moving up in the career and social world can be easier for the middle class.

Finally, the upper class is made up of people who have either inherited large amounts of money or who have earned it on their own. This group can afford to buy education, businesses, and property that the other groups can't. This, in turn, leads to greater influence and respect in American culture.