Page(s) 272–274 7.4. How Is America Stratified Today? Identify each statement about class stratification as either being true of the immediate postwar period (1944–1973) or the late twentieth century (1974–2000). postwar period late twentieth century Rising incomes for blue-collar workers made middle-class lifestyles attainable for a large segment of society. Educational expectations employers held for workers increased. Job growth primarily occurred at the very high and low ends of the job sector. Employers adhered to social norms regarding equality in pay and salary increases.