Social classes - What are they? characteristics, types, and more

Social classes

Groups in which individuals are classified within a society.

What are social classes?

Social classes are groupings in which the individuals of a society have been classified according to common, homogeneous, and particular characteristics that they share within the same social group.

In general, social classes are determined according to different variables, such as the economic capacity of individuals, social conditions, income level, private property, among others.

From the fact that studying these groups shows social inequality in the distribution of wealth, it is possible to affirm that the main criterion for classifying social classes is the economic aspect.

Characteristics of social classes

The following are the main characteristics of social classes:

• The hierarchy of the classification is based mainly on economic concepts, such as wealth, income, and housing conditions.
• They influence social groups through preferences and behavior patterns, language, consumption habits, ideologies, among others.
• They are open groups in which individuals can move from one class to another.
• They make it possible to identify the populations towards which government social programs must be focused.
• They show the inequality of the population in access to the satisfaction of needs.
• They encourage the self-improvement effort of individuals to climb through them.

Types of social classes

Currently, social classes are classified into 3 categories: low, middle, and high.

Lower class

It is the lowest social stratum. It is made up of groups of individuals whose lifestyle is characterized by having very limited income.

Due to the above, these individuals usually have difficulties in acquiring essential goods and services, access to higher education or their own housing, and generally require support from the government system.

Due to their limited access to economic resources and professional education, it is very difficult for them to participate in high-level positions or state positions.

Middle class

It is made up of groups of individuals whose lifestyle is characterized by having an average income, which allows access to goods and services, housing, vehicles, and education.

Generally, the middle class represents the largest population in today's society and groups together average wage earners, independent workers, and small business owners.

Upper class

It is made up of groups of individuals whose lifestyle is characterized by having significantly higher incomes than the other two social classes, with whom they can enjoy well-being, security, and comfort.

Their easy access to specialized higher education allows them to hold high-level positions, both in the public and private sectors.

 

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