Social class has always been with us, lurking in the background and shaping how we see ourselves—and each other. For as long as people have gathered in groups, we’ve found ways to sort, rank, and divide. The result is a system that keeps the wheels of society turning, but often at the cost of our own collective wellbeing.
A Personal Reflection
I see the class system as a kind of pyramid, with each level representing a rung on the social ladder. At the very top: the ultra-rich, the aristocrats, the political elite—those who shape the rules and control the resources. Beneath them, the upper middle class, the lower middle class, and so on, down to the working class and finally, those at the bottom: the most vulnerable, who often do the essential jobs that society depends on, but rarely get credit or security in return.
Here’s the kicker:
- The bottom rungs are usually the most necessary for society to function.
- They clean, cook, drive, build, grow, repair, and care.
- They’re also the most invisible, the least rewarded, and the most likely to get ground up by the machinery of “progress.”
If you map it out, the pyramid looks like this:
Upper Class:
- Higher upper class
- Middle upper class
- Lower upper class
Middle Class:
- Higher middle class
- Middle middle class
- Lower middle class
Lower Class:
- Higher low class
- Middle low class
- Lower low class
Most of us—by population—are somewhere in the lower and middle classes, even if we spend a lifetime aiming higher or fearing the fall.
The Illusion at Work
What keeps this ladder standing? Mostly, an illusion: the belief that the system is natural, permanent, and even deserved. The truth is, the so-called “lower” classes actually hold the real power—because without their work, society stops. The system is not set in stone, and its injustices are not a law of nature.
A real shift starts when those in the “middle middle,” “lower middle,” “upper low,” “middle low,” and “lower low” classes recognize that, together, they form the overwhelming majority. If they support each other, rather than compete or divide, the pyramid’s power starts to wobble.
Social Class Across Continents
- Europe: The old pyramid is alive and well. The ultra-rich and political elite pull the strings, while working-class families often juggle multiple jobs to get by. Immigrants and minorities are still pushed to the margins.
- Africa: Class is often entwined with both economics and tribal heritage. The elite have access to resources and power, while many others lack basics like clean water, education, or healthcare—especially in rural areas.
- East Asia: Education and job prestige are the currency. Those with advanced degrees or high-status professions rise; others—often in rural or unskilled work—struggle for recognition and resources.
- Americas: Here, economics, race, and social status form a tangled web. Marginalized groups, especially Indigenous and Black communities, face systemic barriers. Essential workers carry the load, usually with the least reward.
Key Points
- Social class is not just an economic fact, but a mindset—an illusion that divides and weakens society.
- Those at the “bottom” often do the most crucial work, yet get the least reward.
- The true strength of society lies in solidarity and recognition among the many—not in the dominance of the few.
Suggested Resources
- The Power Elite – C. Wright Mills
- The Great Divide: Unequal Societies and What We Can Do About Them – Joseph E. Stiglitz
- The New Class Society: Goodbye American Dream? – Robert Perrucci & Earl Wysong
- Class Matters – The New York Times
- Social Class in America – PBS
Recommended Blogs & Websites:
Global Voices, Africa is a Country, Asia Society, Latino Rebels, The Conversation Africa
Remember to read with a critical eye. The more perspectives you gather, the clearer the illusions become—and the closer we get to building something healthier, for all.