1 Answers
1. Wealth and Income: Possession of substantial amounts of wealth is the main characteristics distinguishing the upper class from the other class groups in society. Persons having more wealth and income generally have higher social position and respect in society.
2. Occupation : Occupation is an exceedingly important aspect of social class. 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 people who are in labour-intensive professions.
3. Education : There is a close reciprocal relationship between social class and education. Higher education gives opportunities for upward mobility. Thus education, is one of the main levers of social class.
4. Prestige : It refers to the respect and administration with which an occupation is regarded by society. Besides wealth, occupation and education, there are certain other criteria which help a person to gain prestige and subsequent higher social status in the society, e.g., family background, kinship, place of residence, etc.