Classification is an important and useful technique that is commonly used throughout the world. It allows large groups of concepts to be broken down into smaller, more manageable groups on the basis of specific and defining characteristics. The concept of classification is relatively simple, despite its utility. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines classification as the "systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria; specifically: TAXONOMY b: CLASS, CATEGORY."

The technique of classification can easily be used to break down the social structure of contemporary American society. Modern American society is a truly diverse culture that can be classified into a number of subcategories. However, the complexity of American society can also make it difficult to determine a specific principle for classification. Specifically, American society consists of individuals with a wide mixture of religions, races, nationalities, political opinions, sexual orientations, ages, occupations, incomes, geographical locations, and pastimes.

This specific classification scheme will be based on classification according to employment and occupation. The first division in this scheme is obviously between the employed and unemployed. Among the employed, the degree or form of employment can be broken down into part-time, full-time, and contract work.

Further, the type of work performed can break each of these three groups down into much smaller sub-categories. For the purposes of this scheme, occupations will be broken down into white collar (usually administrative), blue collar (usually manual labor) occupations.

White collar and blue collar jobs can then be broken down into further subgroups, by the type of industry. The list of subgroups for both categories is large and beyond the scope of this paper. However, white collar industries include computers and publishing, while blue collar industries include manufacturing and forestry.

These industry subcategories can be broken down into specific occupations. For example, computers can be broken down into network analysts, developers, and technical writers, among others. Manufacturing can be broken down into assembly line workers, and inventory specialists, and others.

Works Cited

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 31 October 2002. http://www.merriam-webster.com