upper class

sociology

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July 14, 2026

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In sociology, the upper class refers to the social group with the highest status in a society, typically possessing largely inherited wealth. Members of the upper class often enjoy a distinctive lifestyle, influence economic and political decisions, and can provide their children with superior educational and economic opportunities, helping to perpetuate family wealth.12

Historically, terms like "rank" and "order" were used to describe hierarchical groupings, but "class" gained prominence in the early 19th century, reflecting societal shifts after industrial and political revolutions. This new terminology defined social groups primarily by economic factors, such as ownership of capital or reliance on wages. While the concept of class can be applied to various societies, it is most usefully applied to modern, industrialized ones.2

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luxury
Economic aspect
…toward the luxurious expenditure of the rich is a mixture of envy—sometimes accompanied by, but often devoid of, a feeling of resentment—and of approval based on popular economic reasoning. It is a very widespread belief that such expenditure is good for trade because it makes money circulate and therefore increases…
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…toward the luxurious expenditure of the rich is a mixture of envy—sometimes accompanied by, but often devoid of, a feeling of resentment—and of approval based on popular economic reasoning. It is a very widespread belief that such expenditure is good for trade because it makes money circulate and therefore increases…
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history of Europe
Modifications in social structure
…of European society a new upper class formed as big business took shape, representing a partial amalgam of aristocratic landowners and corporate magnates. This upper class wielded immense political influence, for example, in supporting government armaments buildups that provided markets for heavy industrial goods and jobs for aristocratic military officers.
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…of European society a new upper class formed as big business took shape, representing a partial amalgam of aristocratic landowners and corporate magnates. This upper class wielded immense political influence, for example, in supporting government armaments buildups that provided markets for heavy industrial goods and jobs for aristocratic military officers.
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social class
Characteristics of the principal classes
The upper class in modern capitalist societies is often distinguished by the possession of largely inherited wealth. The ownership of large amounts of property and the income derived from it confer many advantages upon the members of the upper class. They are able to develop a…
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The upper class in modern capitalist societies is often distinguished by the possession of largely inherited wealth. The ownership of large amounts of property and the income derived from it confer many advantages upon the members of the upper class. They are able to develop a…
Read More