The term class refers to the socio-economic categories that exist in societies. Those of the same social and economic backgrounds belong to the same class grouping. Tales of Two Americas frequently highlights the issue of class in America, making it clear how people’s class can define the conditions of their lives, either bringing them privilege and comfort or exposing them to stigma and hardship.

Gentrification is the practice of making something more elite, sophisticated, and socially acceptable, often in the context of urban spaces. Wealthy, usually white, individuals move into poor and often non-white neighborhoods, thus transforming the demographic landscape and driving up the cost of living. Gentrification subsequently forces long-time residents out of their homes when rent skyrockets, leading to the fracturing of communities, increased poverty, and homelessness. Chris Offutt shows how this same process can extend to food, as inexpensive, accessible foods become prized by the upper classes.

In discussions of social and structural inequality, privilege is not a series of rewards but rather social and legal advantages inherent in society. These advantages may be based on the color of a person’s skin; for example, white people accused of crimes frequently experience more leniency in the justice system.