A classification of a population into strata on the basis of income, residence, occupation, or education.
The relative position attained by an individual in a cultural and financial hierarchy. Differences in socioeconomic status are responsible for important disparities in the nutrition, housing, safety, and health of large groups of people. In general, the lower one’s SES, the greater one’s risk of malnutrition, heart disease, infectious diseases, and early mortality from all causes. Income, education, occupation, vocation, and wealth all contribute to SES.