Stratification in the United States (Essay Sample)

Stratification in the U.S. Name Institution Stratification in the U.S. The United States of America witnessed unprecedented levels of immigration during the colonial period, the beginning of the 19th century, and in the period running from the 1880s to the year 1920. For the vast majority of immigrants, the promise of lucrative economic opportunities was the main motivation for migrating into the United States of America. Studies however reveal that the Pilgrims were motivated by a desire for enhanced religious freedom. Irrespective of their origin, Immigrants are usually motivated to enter America by a desire for better economic opportunities (Hatch, 2016). A description of the latest wave of mass immigration, which began in the 1960s. In the period running to the year 1965, America introduced a quota system barring immigrants from certain countries from entering the country. In 1965, this policy was abolished to allow immigrant families to reunite. Also, America banned the earlier quota system to attract skilled professionals into the country to contribute to economic development. The immigration and naturalization act was enacted in 1965 to allow more immigrants into the American territory (Peri, 2016). According to Peri (2016), the policy of reuniting families and attracting skilled manpower significantly altered the demographic composition of the United States of America. More immigrants from new geographical areas outside Europe such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America began to flood the United States territory. The immigration act of 1965 has caused tremendous changes in the composition of the population of the United States since its inception to date. For instance, in the 1950s before this policy was enacted, over half of all immigrants were of European origin and a meagre population of 6% was Asian. Studies show that the number of immigrants of European ancestry was only 16% in the 1990s and the population of Asian immigrants was 31% during this period. Today, one in every four American citizens is a recent immigrant. Studies show that immigrants have an overall positive effect on the economy and society of the United States of America (Peri, 2016). The rate of integration of immigrants into American society is enhanced by the achievement of higher levels of education by immigrants over time. Differences however exist in the rates of integration across races. Although studies show evidence that blacks, Hispanics, and Asians eventually integrate and acquire increased socioeconomic outcomes over time, the rate of such achievement is highest for Asians and lowest for blacks. Racial differences tend to wear out over time and social mobility and integration improve as immigrants acquire more education and attain socioeconomic advancement (Peri, 2016). A comparison of the impact of the latest wave (approximately 1960s-now) with the first wave (approximately 1820s-1920s) of immigrants. Between 1820 to 1920, migrants were mainly from Britain, Germany, parts of Western Europe, and Ireland. Most of these immigrants were mainly attracted to the United States by the availability of cheap agricultural land. Other migrants were lured into America by the fast pace of industrialization especially those with manufacturing skills and artisans. Migrants without any skills including those from Ireland were forced to work as unskilled employees on various infrastructure projects and industries. Moreover, most immigrants from Germany mainly practised farming and craftsmanship (Kislev, 2017). In 1849, America witnessed another massive wave of immigrants as a result of the California goldRush. These new migrants were mostly from Europe, Latin America, Australia, and China. Between 1841 and 1850, the number of immigrants into the American territory almost tripled with a record 1,713,000 immigrants recorded. Immigrants during this era had various positive impacts on the economy of the United States. They provided the population needed for the booming American economy during the 19th century. Most of these immigrants moved to the United States in search of better economic opportunities and higher standards of living. Immigrants provided the labour required in factories and farmlands and also participated significantly in entrepreneurship (Kislev, 2017). From the 1960s, the number of immigrants from Europe started to decline. More immigrants from Asia and Africa are received in the United States than those migrating from Europe. Most immigrants today are attracted to the United States by factors such as higher wages, higher rate of industrialization, increased urbanization, and better economic and political situation in America (Kislev, 2017). How the negative consequences of stratification could be improved Statistics reveal the existence of inequality in wealth distribution among different races in the United States. For instance, black people in America had only 9.7% of the average net worth held by their white counterparts in 1993. Moreover, the net family income for blacks is lower than that of the white population. Again, studies indicate that over two-thirds of blacks do not own any net financial assets in America. The population of Whites without financial assets is only one third. As such, blacks lag behind Whites in all aspects of property ownership. Furthermore, blacks lag behind Whites when it comes to house ownership by 20%. Racial discrimination is rampant when it comes to securing house ownership. Blacks are more likely to be discriminated against and are therefore less likely to accumulate this important asset. Additio...