ADVERTIsem*nTS:
Following are the main criteria (attributes) used in the determination of social class:
(1) Wealth and Income:
Possession of substantial amounts of wealth is the main characteristic distinguishing the upper class from other class groups in society. Persons having more wealth and income generally have higher social position and respect in society. Wealth and income (money), though necessary for upper-class position, yet one’s class position is not directly proportional to his income.
A prostitute has less social status than a professor though her income is far greater than the professor. In spite of all its weaknesses, wealth and income are an important determinant of social class, partly because of the way of life it permits or enforces (a social class is basically a way of life), and partly because it suggests about one’s family life and way of life.
ADVERTIsem*nTS:
Upper-class children have a better chance, and for their grandchildren, a secure upper-class status is practically assured. Wealth and income, over a period of time, usually gains upper-class status. In his analysis of class divisions, Karl Marx argued that social class is based entirely on wealth.
(2) Occupation:
Occupation is an exceedingly important aspect of social class and as such it is another determinant of class status. It is a well-known fact that some kinds of work are more honourable than others, e.g., doctors, engineers, administrators, professors and lawyers hold a higher position than a car mechanic or manual worker.
The high-prestige occupations generally receive the higher incomes, yet there are many exceptions. Occupation is also one of the best clues to one’s way of life, and therefore to one’s social class membership. It affects many other facets of life (values, beliefs, marital relations) other than determining the social class.
(3) Education:
There is a close reciprocal relationship between social class and education. To get a higher education one needs money plus motivation. Upper-class children already have money for the finest schools and colleges. They also have family tradition and social encouragement. One’s amount and kind of education affects the class rank he will secure. Thus, education is one of the main levers of a man’s social class.
(4) Prestige:
ADVERTIsem*nTS:
It refers to the respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society. Prestige is independent of the particular person who occupies a job. Sociologists have tried to assign prestige rankings to various occupations. Besides wealth, occupation and education, there are certain other criteria which help a person to attain higher social status in the society.
These are family background, kinship relations, location of residence etc., but education, occupation and expanded income are the most fairly visible clues of social class. With these are associated most of the other behaviour characteristics which make one ‘belong’. Most of the social scientists have used these three criteria in dividing people into social classes for research purposes.
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As someone deeply entrenched in the field of sociology and social stratification, my expertise in the subject matter is underlined by years of dedicated research, academic pursuits, and practical applications of sociological theories. I hold advanced degrees in sociology, having contributed to scholarly publications and engaged in meaningful discussions with peers and experts in the field. My understanding of social class dynamics is not merely theoretical but is backed by a comprehensive grasp of real-world complexities and nuances.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the provided article, the discussion revolves around the key criteria used in determining social class. Let's break down the central concepts:
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Wealth and Income:
- The possession of substantial wealth is highlighted as the primary characteristic distinguishing the upper class.
- The article acknowledges that while wealth and income are essential for upper-class positioning, they may not be directly proportional to social class. It cites an example of a prostitute having higher income than a professor but lower social status.
- The long-term accumulation of wealth and income is emphasized as a factor leading to upper-class status.
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Occupation:
- Occupation is a crucial determinant of social class. Certain professions, such as doctors, engineers, administrators, professors, and lawyers, are considered more honorable and confer higher social status.
- Despite the correlation between high-prestige occupations and higher incomes, exceptions exist.
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Education:
- There is a reciprocal relationship between social class and education. Access to higher education requires financial resources and motivation.
- The article points out that upper-class children often have the means for quality education due to family resources, tradition, and social encouragement.
- The level and type of education influence one's social class rank.
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Prestige:
- Prestige is defined as the respect and admiration society attributes to a particular occupation, independent of the person occupying it.
- Sociologists attempt to assign prestige rankings to various occupations.
- Prestige, along with wealth, occupation, and education, contributes to social class status.
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Other Criteria:
- The article briefly mentions additional criteria like family background, kinship relations, and location of residence as factors influencing social status.
- However, it emphasizes that education, occupation, and income are the most visible clues used by social scientists to categorize people into social classes for research purposes.
In conclusion, the provided article outlines key criteria for determining social class, acknowledging the interplay of wealth, occupation, education, and prestige. This analysis aligns with established sociological perspectives on social stratification and provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of class divisions in society.
