22 Jul Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic status (SES) can be viewed as the social standing or class as it relates to an individual or group. Usually, it’s categorized into three levels – low, middle, and high but it can be expanded to lower, working, middle, upper middle, and upper levels. The common variables used to measure the levels are education, income and occupation.

SES affects how we function in society including the state of our mental and physical health. Often times resources vary across the different levels, which can reinforce control, power, and privilege. When social inequalities exist, it paves the pathway for certain groups to prosper at the expense of others. For example, a corporation may make a considerable amount of money off the working class. The compensation for their labor doesn’t compare to the profits being made.

Let’s take a look at education… the access to it and the quality of it can vary across the different levels as well. When compared to upper class individuals, lower class individuals are less likely to attend notable schools. In some instances, public schools are the only option due to a lack of income to pay for private schools. The lower class tends to focus on the resources required to survive such as food, shelter, and safety. Whereas, the upper class focus more on education because they view it as the foundation to advancing in society. It’s easier to focus on education when you have the resources needed at your fingertips.

There is also a correlation between SES and access to healthcare. The lower class is less likely to seek medical care and they are often faced with poor quality healthcare. In many instances, they are unable to afford the costs for ongoing care or they may be unable to pay for ongoing medications. The upper class do not face the same challenges mainly because of their income level. They are more likely to have health insurance, wellness programs provided by their employer, and more disposable income to pay for medical care.

When we begin to understand SES, we will gain insight to the advantages and disadvantages shared by individuals and groups. The necessary dialogue and actions need to occur to provide a better quality of life for everyone.