Tema 3. La sociedad y su dinámica

SOCIAL CLASS

Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between individuals or groups in societies or cultures.

Most societies seem to have some notion of social class.[citation needed]. However, the factors that determine class vary widely from one society to another. Even within a society, different people or groups may have very different ideas about what makes one "higher" or "lower" in the social hierarchy. The most basic class distinction between the two groups is between the powerful and the powerless. Social classes with more power usually subordinate classes with less power, while attempting to cement their own power positions in society. Social classes with a great deal of power are usually viewed as elites, at least within their own societies.

In the less complex societies, power/class hierarchies may or may not exist. In societies where they do exist, power may be linked to physical strength, and therefore age, gender, and physical health are common delineators of class.[citation needed] However, spiritual charisma and religious vision can be at least as important.[citation needed] Also, because different livelihoods are so closely intertwined in less complex societies, morality often ensures that the old, the young, the weak, and the sick maintain a relatively equal standard of living despite low class.