key term - Class system

Definition

A class system is a form of social stratification where society is divided into different layers based on factors like wealth, occupation, education, and power. Unlike caste systems, class boundaries are more permeable, allowing individuals to move between classes based on their achievements or changes in fortune.

Related terms

Social mobility: The ability for individuals or groups to move within the social hierarchy, which is more fluid in a class system compared to a caste system.

Socioeconomic status (SES): A combined measure that takes into account an individual's income, education, and occupation to determine their position within the social structure.

Meritocracy:

A social system where advancement in society is based on an individual's capabilities and merits rather than on family wealth or social status