social classes
Hierarchy of status
Social classes are hierarchical divisions within a society based on economic status, occupation, education, or cultural markers.
The boundaries between classes—working class, middle class, upper class—are fuzzy and contested, but the concept captures real differences in wealth, opportunity, and social power.
She grew up aware of the social classes that divided her town.
- bourgeoisieCapitalist ownership class
- caste systemHereditary class division
- aristocracyRule by hereditary elite
- nobilityTitled ruling class
- upper crustSocial elite class
sociology · economic inequality · the one percent · white collar · blue collar · nouveau riche · proletariat · old money · silver spoon · trust fund · hierarchy · snob · elite · landed gentry · servants · serfdom · peasants · lower
- civilizationempires, empire, civilizations, dynasty, kingdoms
- medieval societyserfs, noble lineage, peasants, serf, heir
- Edo Japanshogun, samurai, shogunate, daimyo, Tokugawa
- Korean historyJoseon dynasty, Three Kingdoms, DMZ, demilitarized zone, Korean DMZ
- Renaissance Europenobility, peasants, merchants, artisans, clergy
- social hierarchycaste system, caste, ranks, pecking order, hierarchy
social classesclassless society
System without social strata
social equality · egalitarianism · classlessness · economic equality · communism
social classesmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
merit-based system · equal opportunity · social mobility · level playing field · American Dream
class, social, society, associate, association, classes, associated, antisocial, socialize