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

But “the thing that deeply disturbed me about this system, there’s a reason why almost everyone in Congress looks the same, comes from the same background, is from the same socioeconomic status,” Hunt said.

From Slate

Men occupy a range of social positions based on race, socioeconomic status, sexuality, etc.

From Salon

Williams’ research suggests the death of a child, a child’s loss of their parents, or an elderly person’s loss of caregivers can all profoundly alter survivors’ physical and mental health, as well as their socioeconomic status.

From Salon

“It transcends party lines, it transcends socioeconomic status, it transcends racial diversity — all those things,” Wilson told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

That means they take the financial needs of applicants into account in making admissions decisions, rejecting otherwise qualified students because of their socioeconomic status.

From Los Angeles Times