Final answer:
In the United States, racial/ethnic groups and social classes are intertwined, affecting social structure and personal experiences. Classification by ancestry is common, but oversimplified, and the three main classes (upper, middle, lower) are defined by certain class traits. There has historically been a racial caste system influencing social mobility, which, along with economic inequalities, still impacts social stratification today.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, racial/ethnic groups and social classes tend to be interconnected and have a significant impact on the social structure and individual experiences within the society. The U.S. classification system often groups individuals by the continent or region of the origin of their ancestry, such as African-American or Asian-American. However, these broad categorizations can be problematic and do not encompass the rich diversity within each group.
The concept of race in the United States is a cultural construction that varies from country to country and is embedded in language, influencing social organization and personal identity. There are three primary classes in the United States - upper, middle, and lower class - each defined by class traits or markers, which include behaviors, customs, and norms. Social mobility allows for movement between these classes, although it is influenced by both racial and class structures.
The historical perspective by anthropologists such as Davis, Gardner, and Gardner suggests that the United States at one time had a racial caste system, where social mobility based on race was rigidly restricted. While the U.S. has evolved since then, the remnants of this system, along with economic inequalities, continue to influence modern social stratification.