Educational ImbalanceSocial class is defined as a system of stratification based on access to resources such as wealth, property, power, and prestige (Ferris and Stein). The key word in this definition is “access”, because for different members of society to have the resources mentioned, these members must have “access” to appropriate higher education. Higher education is one of the reasons why, today, the gap between the different American social classes (upper classes, middle classes, lower classes) is widening more and more. One of the reasons social class is studied is because sociologists have discovered that humans need some sort of structural system to function properly. This stratification of social classes is itself discriminatory and corrupt to the extent that it promotes inequalities in social mobility. This stratification system was designed to ensure that the rich get the best share and the poor get the worst share. In other words, this system aims to keep the poor poor and the rich to stay rich. This assumption may be unfair, but the truth is that there is a notable lack of opportunity and social mobility in this society. People can see this social inequality in housing and health care, but especially in education. Different members of society have different chances, or even no chance, of obtaining higher education based on their socioeconomic status. Furthermore, people's socio-economic status is what ultimately determines their chances of attaining higher education in this society. Additionally, lower classes are less likely to go to college due to their position in society. They also have a different perspective and experience of education. For example, "towards... middle of paper... the advent of a balanced and balanced society, we should start by changing our education system because that is what causes inequality." Works Cited Ferris, Kerry and Jill Stein. The real world: an introduction to sociology. 3rd ed. New York: WW Norton &, 2012. Print. Parker, Kim “Yes, the Rich Are Different.” August 21, 2012. Web. January 19, 2014. Silva, Jennifer M. “The Chronicle Review.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, August 12, 2013. Web January 20, 2014. B. “Educating for Power: How Higher Education Contributes to Social Class Stratification.” » University of Vermont, nd Web, January 20, 2014. "Working-class students go to college 'on hope rather than expectations'" The Huffington Post UK. The Huffington Post, July 3, 2013. Web January 20.. 2014.