Strata, strata, does it really matter..........

Previously, social stratification was a means of identifying who you are as an individual. People who attained highly -valued possessions were looked at with admiration but mostly envy. Most people felt that reaching the clout in which they can afford such items was futile. The prestige of the upper class use to create an aura of low self-esteem for those residing in the middle class. However, in recent years, more people have acquired the means to attain the same highly-valued items considered to be attainable only by the rich. As a result the rich has lost their grip over the lower socioeconomic classes. In fact, the "poor" are beginning to be confused the "rich" because of more reasonable foods showing up in the market.

Society has shaped into a Weber-laden world; everyone can have attain the same strata regardless of class. It's kind of admirable. Everyone has the ability to reach the same prestige like those who had it for years. If you look at it from this perspective, it seems as if society has become more meritocratic and lessened on the competitiveness of capitalism. On the other hand, one consider the means in which people who have the same status as the "rich" did to attain that status. Did they sacrifice their personal needs to reach that prestige? Did they buy something just to say they have it? Nowadays you can have the same status without being barred down by your class means, however one has to consider how he/she will maintain that status. For instance, let's say a middle class individual and a upper class individual buys a BMW 528i Sedan. The value has depreciated to 26,000 which is affordable for both the upper class and the middle class individual. Both will be commended for acquiring a luxury car but then the individual has to maintaining the vehicle. If no one knew this before, oil changes for some luxury vehicles can be anywhere from $150 up and that's just for a simple change;. Imagine if it was for fixing brake parts. I bet the car doesn't look so "luxurious" anymore, especially to the middle class individual. How is the middle class individual going to incorporate those fees when money is so scanty already. Yes, items that were considered "for the rich" are more attainable, but one must consider that the desire for status from attaining those goods comes with other consequential effects.