How can social class be defined?

Social class is best defined as a division founded on social and economic conditions because it encompasses a wide range of factors that influence an individual's position within society. Social class is not determined by a single characteristic or status; rather, it is shaped by various elements, including income, education, wealth, occupation, and social interactions.

This definition captures the complexity of social class, which reflects not only an individual's economic resources but also their access to opportunities and social mobility. For instance, people from higher social classes often have better access to education, healthcare, and networks that can help them maintain their status or improve their circumstances.

By contrast, options that focus on a single aspect of identity, like occupation, legal status, or physical characteristics, fail to provide a comprehensive view of the multifaceted nature of social class. These dimensions can certainly play a role in an individual’s social standing, but they do not encompass the broader social and economic conditions that uniquely define social class. Thus, recognizing social class as a division based on social and economic conditions allows for a more accurate understanding of its dynamics within society.