What does the term socioeconomic status (SES) refer to?

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a comprehensive measure that assesses an individual’s or family’s social and economic standing in society. It is primarily determined by three key factors: income, education, and occupation.

Income reflects the financial resources available to an individual or household, education indicates the level of formal schooling and training achieved, while occupation relates to the type of work that a person engages in and the corresponding prestige associated with that role. Together, these elements create a framework for understanding how individuals and families are positioned within the wider societal hierarchy.

By evaluating SES, sociologists can analyze how these factors influence various aspects of life, including access to resources, opportunities, health outcomes, and overall quality of life. Therefore, the definition as a ranking based on these three criteria is accurate and encompasses the complexities involved in assessing an individual’s socioeconomic position.