Contemporary American Class StructureSocial class is defined as "people of the same social or economic status" (Wordnet). In contemporary American society, social class is based on the amount of money and possessions you have as well as prestige. Prestige is granted to a person through the job or family they come from. For example, upper class member Jennifer Lopez exudes prestige not only because she has millions of dollars in her bank account, but also because she owns very expensive luxury goods, cars, and homes. . There are four class categories in contemporary American society: the upper classes. , middle, work and lower. Among these four class categories, two are subdivided. These two categories are: the upper class and the middle class. These are further divided into: upper upper class, lower upper class, upper middle class and lower middle class (WW Norton, Co.). There are different criteria to classify in each class. To be considered high class, the person must have an annual income of at least $100,000 and have power and authority in their field of work (Norton). For example, the CEO of a large brokerage firm would be from the upper class. With these criteria, today's celebrities and athletes would be classified in the upper class. They have a lot of money, prestige and must demonstrate ability and flexibility in their work to get what they want when they want it. They control their own destiny. Both lower and upper classes believe that money and power are very important in life. Members of the upper lower class, also called "new money", work harder for what they have than members of the upper upper class, because most have earned their position in the class, as opposed to being from the " old money" (Norton. .... middle of paper ...... heir; I wish we could all be as financially secure as the upper class, but I also wish everyone was as modest and recognizing upon reception that the lower class. Maybe the future, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon. Norton, G. "Social Classes in America, December 5." 2003. » MTV, December 7, 2003. » Villanova Webpage, December 5, 2003. ?Dictionary.Com.? December 5, 2003. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=social. %20classW.W. to sociology.? December 5 2003.