"Class Matters" by Angela Whitiker Climb

The book, Class Matters by Angela Whitiker Climb present an exclusive collection of accounts examining social status of individuals in U.S.A. It portrays experiences of challenges of different individuals in the American society. It also opens up category inequalities in American society, giving examples of how issues such as poverty, education, single parenthood immensely contribute to the formation of class distinctions. Different people striving to be integrated in the society are characterized by class consciousness. One of the main propositions argues that, although class consciousness seems to be fading away, social status continues to be a significant impetus in the American society. On the challenges of single parenthood, Ms.Whitiker narrates her own story on how she struggled with her family of six but eventually gains economic stability although other challenges continue to follow her.

The situation of Ms.Whitiker, a single parent, is an extremely rare event more so because of the perceptions held by the society. Sociologists maintain the value that an individual requires twin pillars to succeed; social and human resources (Adrian 2008, pg 153). However, she maneuvers through and makes it in life without the two main prerequisites. The issues revolving around the success of the single mother are quite remarkable. For instance, she struggles from being a drug addict to a middle-class nurse. At the end of the day, she acts as a model of success to the society. In addition, the community will ultimately benefit from her triumph and her children will not be a problem to the society. Furthermore, the future seems brighter than how it has been.

Information from this source can be used to encourage the single mothers to exploit their full potential and cease from following the perceived normality by the society. For example, Ms.Whitiker in this case is a source of inspiration for what women can do even without husbands. Marriage can be crucial for attainment of ambitions and reduction of poverty. However, it is not always exclusively enough. Education as brought out in this case shows that it can be a significant avenue to empowering the women; those who are not in marriage institutions and who seem to have lost hope in life. There is also an inspiration from the author that poverty is not a legal barrier to economic success. We can also understand that handwork leads to poverty reduction.