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
SES refers to a person's social and economic standing in society, based on factors such as income, occupation, education level, and social class. It is an indicator used to assess an individual's access to resources and opportunities.
Related terms
Poverty: The state of being extremely poor or lacking sufficient income to meet basic needs.
Social mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down in the socioeconomic ladder over time.
Inequality: Differences in wealth, income, or opportunities between individuals or groups within a society.