NYT: Unequal Marriage

A class difference in marriage is centralized in “A Marriage of Unequal’s.” It is important to note that both Dan Croteau and Cate Woolner, were born and raised in two distinct class frameworks. While Woolner was born into a relatively wealthy family, she had the sentiment that money was handed to her, for she did not work to inherit the amount of money that has made her wealthy. On the other hand, Dan Coreau felt a different sentiment, particularly that rich people “lived in another world” apart from his working class upbringings (NYT 53).

The New York Times article epitomizes the antagonism between classes. One can argue, that the antagonisms between classes are inevitable. Evidently, the New York Times article illustrates that class distinction and class relations are problematic in nature, including in marriage. Class awareness manifested within Woolners and Croteaus romantic relationship at an early stage. Consider Woolners statement, in where she acknowledges that, “money [came to her because she was] born into one class, while [Croteaus] was born into another” (NYT 56). In addition, Croteaus expresses the desire to not have known Woolners economic status at an early stage of the relationship, for he “did not want to feel like a gold digger” (NYT 55).

As one progresses in reading the article, one can note that the awareness of class distinction is heavily present in their relationship. To illustrate my point, take into consideration that Woolner and Croteaus both joined workshops to convers on cross-class relationships. In addition, Croteaus never really felt that he could adapt to the culture of a job with educated employees from Ivy League schools.

Without a doubt, this NYT article is important because it illustrates that fact that individuals are preoccupied with class distinctions even in marriage. It is important to demonstrate that this class-consciousness is alive in the United States. This acknowledgement that class-consciousness is prevalent in the United States will shed light on the importance to the continuous studies on class in America.