Does money alone define class?

Question

Just because you've inherited a lump of money and can now afford bigger and better than most can be called rich. But does that shape one's social class?

Answer 1

The common notion of "class" is sort of a broad ranging term that encompasses a lot of factors. Socioeconomic status (or SES) is a somewhat more specific (though still vague) term for class.

Generally, SES, as you might be able to tell from the name includes:

[1] Economic standing (money) and
[2] Social/cultural capital (the social "wealth" that you have).

This social capital may include behaviors, values, and ways of thinking that influence the social bracket to which a person belongs.

For example, a family who is of noble/royal birth but has little money may have a lot of social capital, but not economic wealth. Similarly, someone who is jettisoned to unbelievable wealth by a winning lottery ticket, but is from a family with a history of low socioeconomic status, will have a great deal of economic capital, but probably not social capital.

What is considered social capital is another thorny issue. What behaviors, values, and ways of thinking are "good"? Why, for example, do many people consider Paris Hilton's behavior "low class" while Princess Diana's behavior was "high class"? The simple answer is that Princess Diana's behavior was more in line with what the majority of the population considered socially acceptable. She was probably most known for her altruism, which is generally considered a good quality by most people. Paris Hilton, on the other hand, is probably most known for her hard partying and promiscuousness, qualities of which most people disapprove.

To sum up, class is not determined by money alone, but rather by a combination of economic *and* social wealth.

Answer 2

The word "class" is often used to define some level of wealth. That is the more shallow, less meaningful definition. The other definition has to do with a person's strength of character...what we mean when we say, "she has a lot of class." I once knew a guy who grew up in a wealthy family and basically lived on the interest of a trust fund. But several years ago, the interest rates went way down, so his annual interest dramatically diminished. But instead of exploring some interesting work, he decided to spend the principal. When I talked to him, working to earn money was not an option. He only wanted to play. So you tell me, does this moron have class?

Answer 3

There are many things that shape class. such as birth right, You could be born into a noble family bu they could be poor but still considered upper class.
Also i believe that your view of your self can shape your class.
And finally knowledge and life enjoyment remember there are many ways to measure wealth.
Just stay strong grow a family and learn and you will be the richest and highest class over everyone in your mind.
Others ideas are nice but it is what you believe that matters so go with your heart
Im Out!!

Answer 4

Class has nothing whatsoever to do with money. Would you call the likes of Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham or Mike Tyson classy ? Class is a certain dignity that comes from within.

Answer 5

Depends on who is doing the judging. To the wealthy, money alone does not give the un-couth and un-polished class. To somone of modest means wealth might lend an air of class to some extent, but if somone has no class the illusion will fade.

Answer 6

Some people who come from rich families have class too, but it's not because of their money, it's because of their education. And some people who have lots of money don't even know what "class" is.

Answer 7

class is defined by your behaviors....someone can have next to nothing and still have a ton of more class than some snotty rich person....not to say all rich people are snotty...just giving you an example! I'm sure you get the point

Answer 8

No. If a person was a poor jerk who subsequently attains money, then he/she becomes a rich jerk. No, money is a means we use to acquire things. Class is elegance, respect for others, dignity, high conscience, a nice person who happens to have some money is someone who is classy & rich. But one doesn't have to be rich to be a real class act!

Answer 9

Stopping benefits wont solve the problem but they have to start somewhere I suppose ! If anyone has a drinking problem they can get LOADS of help for FREE on the NHS .. if a parent has a drinking problem and they rely on benefits they should either have their benefits reduced or stopped or the children shold go nto care.. I know plenty of alcoholic parents with kids that suffer as a result - and on the otehr hand i have 3 friends who are not alcoholics or rarely even drink and they are on the adoption waiting list and cant have their own children.. any idiot can get pregnant and have kids.. even kids themselves..

Answer 10

No. Some people who are rich doesn't mean they have class already, look at Paris Hilton, she's rich no doubt but does she have a class? I don't think so.