Subjective Social Class refers to an individual’s perception of their own position in the social hierarchy, based on personal beliefs and experiences.
Understanding Subjective Social Class
What is Social Class?
Social class generally refers to divisions within society based on economic, social, and cultural status. Traditionally, sociologists have defined class by factors like income, occupation, and education. These objective markers can help determine someone’s social standing. However, there’s another important dimension of class that isn’t just about material wealth or formal measurements: subjective social class.
Defining Subjective Social Class
Subjective social class is about how individuals view their own place in society’s hierarchy. Unlike objective social class, which is based on external factors like wealth or occupation, subjective social class is shaped by personal perceptions. People may feel higher or lower in social class than what objective measures suggest, depending on various factors, including self-esteem, lifestyle, and interactions with others.
This perception can influence behavior, decision-making, and relationships. For example, someone who earns a high income may still perceive themselves as middle class due to their lifestyle or upbringing, while another person with a more modest income might see themselves as part of a higher social class if they value non-economic factors like education or cultural capital.
Components That Shape Subjective Social Class
Several factors influence how people perceive their social class:
1. Income and Wealth
Although subjective social class isn’t solely about money, income plays a significant role. People often compare their earnings to those around them, influencing whether they feel wealthier or poorer than their peers. This sense of comparison is important in shaping social identity.
2. Education
Education is another critical factor that influences subjective social class. Higher educational attainment can lead individuals to feel more aligned with higher social classes, even if their income doesn’t reflect it. People with college degrees or advanced education may feel a sense of social mobility due to their knowledge and cultural exposure.
3. Occupation and Status
The type of work someone does also impacts their self-perception of class. Occupations seen as prestigious, such as doctors, lawyers, or executives, may lead individuals to identify with a higher social class, while those in lower-status jobs may feel they belong to a lower class. The social recognition that comes with a job title can be just as important as the salary it provides.
4. Cultural Capital
Cultural capital refers to the knowledge, skills, education, and cultural experiences someone possesses. Those with more cultural capital, like fluency in art, music, or literature, might see themselves as part of a higher social class, even without a high income. Cultural capital adds another dimension to how people view their class, since it’s tied to taste, style, and social manners.
5. Social Connections and Networks
Who you know can shape how you see yourself within the social hierarchy. Individuals with access to powerful or wealthy networks might feel connected to a higher class, even if their personal finances suggest otherwise. Social ties can give people a sense of belonging to a class they aspire to or associate with.
6. Self-Esteem and Identity
A person’s self-esteem and sense of identity also play a crucial role in subjective social class. If individuals feel confident, successful, or content with their lives, they might perceive themselves as part of a higher class, regardless of their objective status. Conversely, those who struggle with self-esteem or feel marginalized may perceive themselves as part of a lower class.
The Role of Comparison in Subjective Social Class
People don’t assess their social class in isolation. They often compare themselves to others, whether it’s friends, family, or public figures. This is known as relative deprivation, where individuals feel they have less than others, which can lower their perception of their social class.
For example, someone living in a wealthy neighborhood but earning an average income might feel they belong to a lower class compared to their neighbors. Alternatively, someone from a modest background who achieves financial success might view themselves as part of a higher class, even if their income is similar to the national average.
How Subjective Social Class Influences Behavior
Subjective social class doesn’t just shape how people view themselves—it also affects how they act. These self-perceptions influence decisions about spending, saving, and lifestyle choices. For instance, someone who perceives themselves as part of the upper class may feel more inclined to spend money on luxury goods, education, or social activities associated with higher social status.
On the other hand, people who see themselves as part of a lower class may feel constrained in their choices, leading them to avoid risks or investments that might help improve their objective social class. They might also experience feelings of anxiety or stress, especially if they perceive a large gap between their current social class and where they aspire to be.
Subjective Social Class and Mental Health
There is a strong link between subjective social class and mental health. People who perceive themselves as being in a lower social class are more likely to experience feelings of inadequacy, stress, and depression. This is partly due to societal pressures and the stigma that comes with being viewed—or viewing oneself—as part of a lower class. In contrast, individuals who feel they belong to a higher class tend to report better mental health and life satisfaction.
Subjective Social Class in Society
Understanding subjective social class is crucial because it reveals how people navigate society’s complexities beyond just income or occupation. Policymakers, educators, and businesses can use insights about subjective social class to better understand consumer behavior, social mobility, and inequality. For example, subjective social class can impact political views, with people who feel more economically secure often leaning toward policies that preserve their perceived status.
Additionally, subjective social class can shape public health outcomes, as people in lower-perceived classes may have less access to healthcare or feel less empowered to seek medical help. Programs designed to reduce social inequality often take into account not only people’s material conditions but also how they perceive themselves in relation to others.
Conclusion
Subjective social class is a complex, personal interpretation of where individuals see themselves in the social hierarchy. While objective factors like income, education, and occupation provide a foundation for class, the subjective experience—shaped by personal feelings, social comparison, and cultural capital—adds an important dimension to understanding class in society. Recognizing this personal perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of social inequality and mobility.
References and Further Reading
- Kim, J. H., & Park, E. C. (2015). Impact of socioeconomic status and subjective social class on overall and health-related quality of life. BMC public health, 15, 1-15.
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Modification History File Created: 09/19/2024 Last Modified: 09/19/2024
This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
