Class Structure
Definition
Class structure refers to the hierarchical organization of society into different social classes based on wealth, occupation, education level, and other factors.
Analogy
Imagine a multi-layered cake. The top layer might represent the upper class with the most resources and privileges. The middle layer could represent the middle class, who have moderate resources. The bottom layer represents the lower class that has fewer resources. This is similar to how society is divided in terms of class structure.
Related terms
Social Mobility: The ability of an individual or family to move up or down the social and economic ladder within a society.
Bourgeoisie: In Marxist contexts, it refers to the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.
Proletariat: Workers or working-class people, regarded collectively (often used with reference to Marxism).
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