NYT: Ch. 2 Life at the Top in America Isn't Just Better, It's Longer

In chapter two of NYT: “Life at the Top in America Isn’t Just Better, It’s Longer,” Scott starts off by giving some background information on the connection between class and health: “the more education and income people have, the less likely they are to have and die of heart disease, strokes diabetes…”(29). Thus, there is a correlation that ones class has a positive or negative effect on health. Scott then narrates the story of three distinct people who had heart attacks. The three stories illustrate the different treatment that each one received. As an upper-middle class member, Miele had the resources to get adequate treatment and most importantly, change his lifestyle. From cutting back on pasta to exercising, he was able to limit the possibility of getting another heart attack. It is also important to mention how he could afford to take a summer off and cut back from work (38). Other low class individuals who suffer from heart problems do not have the freedom to simply take some time off from work. Since working class individuals need to work day after day to support their family, they are unable to give themselves some time for their health. The second case, Wilson, a middle class individual, experienced some setbacks since he continued to eat fired foods, but had adequate resources to provide for his health. Unfortunately, working class member Gora differed the most from the previous two individuals. She had no knowledge of her medical conditions as she told the doctor: “What is a heart attack? I don’t know why I have this?”(44). She faced even more obstacles by not having necessary support. In contrast to Miele who’s wife took care of him—from cooking him healthy meals to reminding him of medications and appointments, Gora’s husband was absent most of the day and did not change his eating habits for her. Although there were many more differences mentioned, these different cases illustrate the outcomes of class position. Resources do matter and unfortunately, working class individuals have a clear disadvantage over other classes—they are unable to get the best care, take time off of work, and at times, do not receive adequate support from friends/family.