1. Upper Class:
- Composed of wealthy families who inherited fortunes or built their own through successful businesses.
- Lived in affluent neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and Sutton Place.
- Prominent families often belonged to exclusive social clubs and attended elite private schools.
2. Upper-Middle Class:
- Included professionals, successful businesspeople, and executives.
- Lived in comfortable neighborhoods such as the Upper West Side and parts of Brooklyn.
- Many held college degrees and enjoyed a higher standard of living.
3. Middle Class:
- Encompassed a broad range of occupations like white-collar workers, small business owners, and teachers.
- Resided in neighborhoods like Queens and the Bronx.
- Valued education and aspired to social mobility.
4. Working Class:
- Comprised blue-collar workers employed in factories, construction, transportation, and other manual labor jobs.
- Typically resided in working-class neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- Faced economic challenges but emphasized strong family bonds and community connections.
5. Lower Class:
- Consisted of individuals living in poverty, including the unemployed, underemployed, and those dependent on government assistance.
- Faced numerous socio-economic hardships and limited opportunities for social advancement.
New York City's social class system was not rigid, and individuals could move between classes based on their achievements and circumstances. However, the dominant societal norms and economic disparities played a significant role in shaping people's life chances and social interactions during that era.
