How does Class Influence Identity?

Influence of class on an individual's identity is greater than many would like to perceive. The main reason for this misconception is the fact that everyone wants to hear what they can accomplish and not what factors (i.e. socio-economic standing) stand in their way. Identity is composed of many separate factors and therefore is affected is by many factors as well. The idea of what factors affect identity has been touched upon by many writers. Three such works consist of Horatio Alger's "Ragged Dick", "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara and Gregory Mantsios' "Class in America: Myths and Realities". Each of these writer's at one point or another had to make the decision of "How does class influence identity" and each of them confronted this topic in different ways.

Horatio Alger's "Ragged Dick" is a book based upon the fact that success is based upon an individual's merit.

Bambara Queen Maternity Figure

Alger

Frontispiece of the 1895 Henry T. Coates and Compa...

Alger tackles the concept of class and its affect on one's identity very slowly. He is hesitant because it would go against the morale he is portraying. This rags to riches story is too naive, it only depicts the fact that the main character (Richard Dick) moves up in life due to his actions and nothing more.

Dick's boss in the story, Mr. Rockwell offers dick the job based solely on merit and does not look at Dick's socioeconomic standing. Dick is the one in the story who makes the slightest change on identity based upon his new position. When Mr. Rockwell asked, "How would you like to enter my counting-room as clerk, Richard?" Dick was about to reply, "Bully," when he recollected himself, and responded, "Very much." This change depicts that Dick is aware that he now is in higher position and therefore his regular...