Social class is the division or stratification of a society based on social or economic status[1].

Social Class

joe Inter-Cultural Skills

What is Social Class?

Social class is the division or stratification of a society based on social or economic status[1]. The concept of social class is important to discuss so that students have a shared understanding of the strata of the society they are a member of. Although social class varies significantly throughout the United States and the world socialization and social identity play an equal role for every individual, regardless of social class. A lot of discussion about social class inevitably leads to money and income. Social class is largely cultural and not entirely based on income. Although, income and wealth are generally associated with social class, other factors play a role. Education, family status, and occupation are factors as well.

William Thompson & Joseph Hickey, 2005
Class Typical characteristics
Upper class (1%) Top-level executives, celebrities, heirs; income of $500,000+ common. Ivy league education common.
Upper middle class (15%) Highly-educated (often with graduate degrees) professionals & managers with household incomes varying from the high 5-figure range to commonly above $100,000.
Lower middle class (32%) Semi-professionals and craftsmen with some work autonomy; household incomes commonly range from $35,000 to $75,000. Typically, some college education.
Working class (32%) Clerical, pink- and blue-collar workers with often low job security; common household incomes range from $16,000 to $30,000. High school education.
Lower class

(ca. 14–20%)

 Those who occupy poorly-paid positions or rely on government transfers. Some high school education.

 

It is generally accepted that America is divided into 3-12 levels with regard to social class.  The incredibly poor on one end of the scale and incredibly rich on the other.  The most-simple model divides the country into three layers, rich, middle, and poor.  The US Census Bureau use the model developed by William Thompson & Joseph Hickey that divides the country into five classes.

[1] For more information on social class visit, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_class