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Social mobility—the ability to move between different social classes—is often cited as a hallmark of a fair society. However, the reality of class stratification suggests that mobility is becoming increasingly difficult. When wealth and power are concentrated at the top, the "ladder" of opportunity becomes steeper. Factors such as inheritance, legacy admissions in universities, and the cost of living in economic hubs ensure that the wealthy remain wealthy, while the working class remains tethered to precarious labor markets. Conclusion

The distribution of wealth is rarely equitable. In many developed nations, a significant portion of total national assets is held by a small percentage of the population. This concentration of wealth does not just provide a financial safety net; it creates a "wealth gap" that affects every facet of life, from education to healthcare. Those born into wealth have access to elite institutions and social networks—often referred to as social capital—that facilitate professional success. In contrast, those in lower social classes often face systemic barriers, such as underfunded schools and lack of credit, which make escaping the cycle of poverty a monumental task. Power as a Function of Social Class This concentration of wealth does not just provide

The following essay addresses the core themes of this course: the structures of social inequality, the distribution of power, and how wealth shapes the lived experiences of different social classes. the distribution of power