What Is the Upper Class?
The term upper class refers to a group of individuals who occupy the highest place and status in society. These people are considered the wealthiest, lying above the working and middle class in the social hierarchy. Individuals who make up the upper class have higher levels of disposable income and exert more control over the use of natural resources. While the upper class makes up a small percentage of the overall population, it controls a disproportionately large amount of the overall wealth.
Key Takeaways
- The term upper class refers to a group of individuals who occupy the highest place and status in society.
- Individuals who make up the upper class have higher levels of disposable income and exert more control over the use of natural resources.
- This class makes up a small percentage of the overall population but controls a disproportionately large amount of the overall wealth.
Understanding Upper Class
The term upper class is a socioeconomic term used to describe those who reside on the highest levels of the social ladder above the middle and working or lower classes. They generally have the highest status in society and hold a great deal of wealth. Because of this, they also carry a considerable amount of power—politically, economically, and financially.
Members of the upper class carry a considerable amount of power—politically, economically, and financially.
This class was historically dominated by land-owning nobility and aristocrats. People who fell into these groups didn't have to work for a living. Instead, they inherited their money or lived off their investments. Because this group was primarily composed of large, wealthy families, those who didn't belong—including anyone who managed to amass a considerable amount of wealth—were barred from calling themselves members of the upper class.
The definition of the term has changed over time to include a wider range of people. Today, celebrities, politicians, investors, and other wealthy individuals fall into this group. In the United States, those who lived—and continue to live—in leadership roles in society are often considered part of the upper class. These are people whose status has been passed down through generations.
According to a 2018 study by Pew Research Center, 19% of American adults were part of upper-class households. These families earned a median income of $187,872 in 2016, compared to52% who made up the middle class and 29% who made up the lower class. The wealth held by these individuals has led to a disparate gap in income and power over those in other classes.
While those in the upper class exert significant control over economic and political developments, most production activities and consumption are done by the working and middle classes. The working and middle classes handle most of the economic production and consumption because they are much larger in number than the small upper class and require a more significant percentage of the resources.
The Upper Class vs. Other Classes
As mentioned above, income and power generally separate the upper class from the other classes. The middle-class generally describes households with people who fall between the upper and working or lower class. The parameters of the middle-class are fairly fluid. Its application to income, education, and social status varies based on location and other factors. Many people who make up the middle-class work as professionals and civil servants, and own property.
The working or lower class refers to those who make up the lowest level of society. These individuals often work in low-paying, blue-collar jobs that require physical labor and limited skill. Working or lower class individuals earn much less than the upper and middle class and hold very little power in society.
In a frontier or emerging economy, there are often only two classes—the working class, or poor, and the upper class, or elite. As an economy develops and better jobs and infrastructure create more wealth, a middle class emerges. The newly emerged middle class starts to have more disposable income, which further advances the economy.
Eventually, a divide within the middle class emerges and separates the average middle class from those who have significantly more disposable income but aren't yet considered rich. These are the upper-middle-class people. The upper-middle-class usually evolves out of people from the middle-class tier who are particularly resourceful or who achieve higher levels of education than the rest of the middle class. Examples of these people in today's society are doctors and lawyers. Although they are not Bill Gates, they do make more money than teachers.
FAQs
Today, celebrities, politicians, investors, and other wealthy individuals fall into this group. In the United States, those who lived—and continue to live—in leadership roles in society are often considered part of the upper class.
What is upper class salary? ›
Upper-middle class: $94,001 – $153,000. Upper class: greater than $153,000.
What is counted as upper class? ›
upper class | Business English
a social group consisting of the people who have the highest social rank and who are usually rich: The upper classes usually send their children to private schools. Compare. lower-class.
What is an upper class lifestyle? ›
Rather, it means you can afford more than you ever could before, including goods and services that you used to view as being a luxury or out of reach. It also means you can afford medical expenses, travel and more expensive hobbies or interests. “Being in the upper class means almost no restrictions on lifestyle.
What is social class examples? ›
Today, concepts of social class often assume three general economic categories: a very wealthy and powerful upper class that owns and controls the means of production; a middle class of professional workers, small business owners and low-level managers; and a lower class, who rely on low-paying jobs for their ...
What are upper class jobs? ›
Top 100 high-paying jobs
- Cardiologist. National average salary: $351,827 per year.
- Anesthesiologist. National average salary: $326,296 per year.
- Orthodontist. National average salary: $264,850 per year.
- Psychiatrist. National average salary: $224,577 per year.
- Surgeon. ...
- Periodontist. ...
- Physician. ...
- Dentist.
The American upper class is a social group within the United States consisting of people who have the highest social rank primarily due to economic wealth. The American upper class is estimated to constitute less than 1% of the population.
What defines upper class? ›
Many heirs to fortunes, top business executives, CEOs, successful venture capitalists, persons born into high society, and celebrities may be considered members of the upper class. Some prominent and high-rung professionals may also be included if they attain great influence and wealth.
What's the middle class salary? ›
The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households that earn between two-thirds and double the median U.S. household income, which was $65,000 in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 21 Using Pew's yardstick, middle income is made up of people who make between $43,350 and $130,000.
What is above upper class? ›
The upper‐upper class includes those aristocratic and “high‐society” families with “old money” who have been rich for generations. These extremely wealthy people live off the income from their inherited riches. The upper‐upper class is more prestigious than the lower‐upper class.
Members of the upper-class were once members of the middle or lower class. They joined the upper class either through their own effort or through the efforts of their parents. This is why I know that you can make the transition today if you choose to. However, only a few people do this in reality.
How do you act upper class? ›
Follow these etiquette pointers to mimic posh comportment:
- Make eye contact and smile when greeting others. ...
- Always say “please” and “thank you.” Use “sir” or “madam” when referring to strangers.
- Avoid cursing, slang and excessive vocal filler like “um” or “like.” Speak in clear, measured tones.
Breaking Down the Middle Class by Income
One way some researchers divide individuals into economic classes is by looking at their incomes. From that data, they split earners into different classes: poor, lower-middle class, middle class, upper-middle class and wealthy.
What is considered wealthy? ›
According to Schwab's 2023 Modern Wealth Survey, Americans perceive an average net worth of $2.2 million as wealthy. Knight Frank's research indicates that a net worth of $4.4 million is required to be in the top 1% in America, a figure much higher than in countries like Japan, the U.K. and Australia.
Is being a millionaire upper class? ›
60% of those millionaires identify as upper middle class, while 31% interestingly identify themselves as just middle class. Surprisingly, a large number of millionaires reside comfortably in the middle class, revealing an oddly curious disconnect between their sense of self and their financial security.
What income is upper middle class? ›
Many have graduate degrees with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class. Household incomes commonly exceed $100,000, with some smaller one-income earners household having incomes in the high 5-figure range. "The upper middle class has grown...and its composition has changed.
What is an example of upper middle class? ›
They include such occupations as lawyer, physician, dentist, engineer, professor, architect, civil service executive, and civilian contractor. Many members of the upper-middle class have graduate degrees, such as law, business, or medical degrees, which are often required for professional occupations.
What is considered wealthy class? ›
Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.
