socioeconomic status

[soh-see-oh-ek-uh-nom-ik stey-tuhs, stat-uhs, ‐-ee-kuh‐, soh-shee-oh‐, soh‐]

noun

1. the position or standing of a person or group in a society as determined by a combination of social and economic factors that affect access to education and other resources crucial to an individual’s upward mobility: SES

   Low socioeconomic status is linked to many health risks, including cardiovascular disease.

socioeconomic status

1. An individual's or group's position within a hierarchical social structure. Socioeconomic status depends on a combination of variables, including occupation, education, income, wealth, and place of residence. Sociologists often use socioeconomic status as a means of predicting behavior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of socioeconomic status¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Our family isn’t wealthy, and we were unconcerned with the socioeconomic status of other students on campus.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The American Dental Association “is very concerned for people of all ages and socioeconomic status” in communities stopping water fluoridation, a spokesperson wrote in an email.

Read more on Slate

Among the disadvantages linked to having darker skin are less income, lower socioeconomic status and more health problems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Is that not the American dream, being born into one life or socioeconomic status and forging your way into whatever your picture of success looks like?

Read more on Salon

Is that not the American dream, being born into one life or socioeconomic status and forging your way into whatever your picture of success looks like?

Read more on Salon