Social stratification in American Society is not clearly defined or determined; however, the social scientist has developed a socioeconomic stratification of American society. Americans believe in a three class society: rich, poor and middle class and most Americans consider themselves to be middle class. In reality, American society is more diverse and incongruous and there is a great difference between people. The basic determinants that make up social class are wealth, education, income, and occupation. Some sociologists have divided American society into six distinct categories, including: rich or upper class, upper middle class, lower middle class, lower class, and lower and poor class.

People belonging to the same social class are believed to share similar social positions, ways of thinking, and lifestyles; Others oppose this idea and believe that we cannot generalize the characteristics of people from one another. Social class creates a hierarchy and identity for people of each class.

One of the indicators of social class in the United States is income in individual or family terms and it is one of the most important indicators of social class. Those families that have two sources of income are in a better position. Per capita income, which means the amount of money allocated to each individual member, is also another important determinant in social stratification. It can be said that families with fewer members are in a better position.

Another indication in social stratification is education, which is related to occupation and income. Higher education itself needs money and paid tuition, so it is clear that more often than not families that are better off can afford better education for their children: they can afford better schools and private schools, colleges and universities. As a result, there is an interrelationship between money and education.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of social class is culture: people from the same social class tend to have similar ways of behaving; although this behavior and culture is not something fixed and changes with social mobility: people who move up or down in their social stratification will acquire the behavior of that social group. But there is also diversity within the same social group. One of the important terms in American culture and literature is the concept of “class descent”: according to this concept, each successive generation will have a higher standard of living than its predecessors. Another important characteristic of American social class is the status achieved rather than the statues depicted; it means that regardless of their original statues, one can become rich and successful and move up the social ladder. But in reality this idealistic view may not be entirely true: many people of color still suffer from racial prejudice and as a result are unable to have the proper education and a good occupation that is perhaps the most important component of class. These people have lower incomes and the cycle will continue for subsequent generations. Despite existing injustices and inequalities, America is considered the land of opportunity, the land whose streets are paved with gold. Although this belief is exaggerated, Americans have improved their economic situation with their hard work and persistence.