Social and cultural differences have split the American upper and lower classes since the emergence of the Industrial Revolution (Dahrendorf). So ingrained is the class system into the American way of life (Warner, et al.) that it is the basis on which our capitalistic society is built (Marshall). An understanding of the harsh contrast and divide between the upper and lower classes can be used to reveal sentiments inherent in Lars Eighner’s essay “On Dumpster Diving.”
In his paper, Eighner’s depiction of dumpster diving goes far beyond the activity itself. By redefining the societal perceptions he’s associated with – due to his monetary standing – he addresses socially-constructed concepts regarding economic classes. In “On Dumpster Diving,” Eighner portrays himself as a member of the upper class because he alters the traditional definition of both rich and poor.
In several representations of a capitalist society, persons of lower class receive fewer resources and opportunities, while in contrast, those belonging to the upper class are associated with increased capital and privileges (Kendal). Christina Pazzanese, U.S. News and World Report contributor observes, the current economic situation has further increased Americans’ perception of societal differences: “The 2008 global economic meltdown that bailed out Wall Street financiers but left ordinary citizens to fend for themselves trained a spotlight on the unfairness of fiscal inequality” (Kendal). Authors at the Critical Media Project, too, observed the perceived social differences as they address the lower class: “ You may drive a 15 year-old car that needs repairs you can’t afford. You may have to take the bus everywhere. You may wear hand-me-down clothes.” (Class). Next addressing the upper class, they continue, “You may travel outside the country (and have done so multiple times). You eat out regularly, and when you go grocery shopping you try to buy organic food, even if it’s more expensive. You go to private schools and sleep-away camps.” (Class). In addition, this system is also defined by the social standards that accompany each socioeconomic class. Multiple depictions of the typical American class structure argue that a social stigma is present in society’s perception of the poor, and negative viewpoints towards this class are very prevalent (Williams). Conversely, they also suggest that wealth is revered by many and is sought after; it’s seen as a representation of success (Kendall). By traditional standards, Lars Eighner is a member of the lower class. For instance, so low were his funds, Eighner reveals, that “as my savings ran out…” he began to search dumpsters for essential items (2). In fact, not only was Eighner unable to buy items such as food and clothes, he became homeless a year afterward (Eighner 1). Marked by a lack of money and luxury, Lars Eighner exemplifies poverty in the most traditional sense of the word. However, in a non-traditional sense, Eighner displays qualities that are characteristic of the upper class.
Throughout “On Dumpster Diving,” Eighner consistently reinforces the equivalence between what he does (dumpster diving) and a traditional job. He claims that “after ten years of government service… I find work that rewards initiative and effort refreshing.” (Eighner 12). The manner in which he contrasts his previous occupation and dumpster diving suggests that he means to compare two like things. By exemplifying this, he actually draws a parallel between the two, connecting them via their common denominator: that they are jobs. He reinforces this categorization, relaying that he’s “initiated several companions into the trade.” (Eighner 6). The term “trade” is most often used to refer to a skilled occupation, and Eighner’s use of the word reveals his perception of dumpster diving: he considers it an occupation as opposed to an activity. In addition, his portrayal of scavenged items suggests that their value transcends the typical. The writing indicates that the Eighner considers his finds more than just items, but rather he says they are payment for his work. Eighner came to the following conclusion: he enjoys work that rewards exertion (12). Not only does this indicate his perception towards dumpster diving – that it is indeed work, it also reveals his view toward dumpster items: that he considers them compensation for his work. This finding is important to the interpretation of Eighner’s writing – that it defines him as wealthy, as the concepts of occupation and payment play large parts in the determination of class.
Once a job and income have been established, it’s essential to also shed light on the steady stream of resources available to both the author and the wealthy; only then can a legitimate connection be drawn between the two. Because the definition of the term “resources” is not impossibly rigid, it can refer to money, materials, or any other assets of similar nature. Therefore, what can be considered a resource is subjective and up to oneself to define. In his paper, Eighner adjusts the traditional understanding associated with wages or income, assigning it to dumpster finds. Moreover, because capitalism considers income a resource, dumpster finds can consequently be considered resources as well. In addition, others will presumably continue to throw out items, and as a result, Eigner will continue to have access to an influx of wealth. Traditional social understandings of the wealthy would conclude that they, too, receive a steady stream of assets. Therefore, another similarity between the author and the rich can be identified, one that draws parallels between the amount of resources available to both parties. In addition, Eighner sheds light on the shared perception of available items. He observes, having an abundance of resources has led to a disinterest in material objects: “I find my desire to grab for the gaudy bauble has been largely sated.” (Eighner 13). He continues, “I think this is an attitude I share with the very wealthy – we both know there is plenty more where what we have come from.” (Eighner 13). His remark shows a recognition of the consistent flow of income he’s presented with, yet realizes that no individual item or resource should hold great value, as many more will become available. He also identifies the resemblance this sentiment holds to that of the upper class.
A traditional understanding of capitalist societies would suggest that they are populated with strict divisions between socioeconomic groups, and further segregated by the social constructions that define societal perceptions of each class (Marshall). In his paper “On Dumpster Diving,” Lars Eighner seeks to address the rigidity of the class system by perpetuating an altered definition of the makings of the upper class. His portrayal of his lifestyle reflects a capitalistic view of an otherwise un-capitalistic activity: dumpster diving. By categorizing dumpster diving as an occupation and his finds as resources, he expresses his idea of work using the capitalistic model. Additionally, his consideration of his great wealth of resources, as well as the similarities he draws between his life and that of the wealthy, suggest an assumed equivalence between himself and the upper class. In reality, Eighner’s depiction of life on the street can actually be considered an attempt to redefine the social standards, perceptions, and stigmas related to the class system, intended to redefine what it means to be rich.
Sources Cited
Dahrendorf, Ralf. Class and Class Conflict. Vol. 88. Stanford: Stanford university press, 1959.
Warner, W. Lloyd, Marchia Meeker, and Kenneth Eells. “Social class in America.” New York (1949).
Marshall, Thomas H. Citizenship and social class. Vol. 11. Cambridge, 1950.
Kendall, Diana Elizabeth. Framing class: Media representations of wealth and poverty in America. Rowman & Littlefield, 2011.
Pazzanese, Christina. The Rich and the Rest. U.S. News, 9 Feb. 2016, 6:00 am, http://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2016-02-09/the-costs-of-inequality-the-rich-and-the-rest.
“Class | The Critical Media Project.” Critical Media Project, http://www.criticalmediaproject.org/cml/topicbackground/class/.
Williams, Wendy R. “Struggling with Poverty: Implications for Theory and Policy of Increasing Research on Social Class‐Based Stigma.” Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy 9.1 (2009): 37-56.
Ella Prevost 