Why did both aristocrats and newcomers seek a Sophistic education in Athens?

In the context of 5th-century BCE Athens, both aristocrats and newcomers sought a Sophistic education primarily because it provided the essential skills required for success in the city's democracy.1

Because Athenian political life allowed citizens of diverse backgrounds to pursue successful careers—provided they could impress audiences in the council and assembly—the ability to speak effectively and utilize persuasive arguments became a vital asset. A Sophistic education offered training in rhetoric and the art of speaking, which became the highroad to political influence.1

Furthermore, the Sophists challenged traditional attitudes, which many found increasingly inadequate in a changing society. By replacing unreflecting faith with rational argument, they offered a modern, humanistic approach to education. For newcomers without family backing, this training provided a way to compete with members of the oldest families, while for aristocrats, it offered the tools necessary to defend their positions through reasoned debate rather than mere appeals to tradition. Ultimately, the Sophists taught that virtue (aretē) was not solely a matter of birth but could be acquired through instruction.12