Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Socio-economic status (SES) refers to a person's social standing based on their income level, occupation, education level, and overall economic resources. It provides information about an individual's access to resources and opportunities.
Related terms
Privilege: This term refers to unearned advantages or benefits individuals may have based on their socio-economic status or other factors.
Poverty: This term describes a state of extreme deprivation where individuals lack basic necessities due to low socio-economic status.
Social mobility: This term refers to one's ability to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder over time.