The
politically correct term for `class' used especially in societies in which it is currently fashionable to believe that classes are a thing of the past (i.e.
america).
upper class ===> ``upper socio-economic group''
middle class ===> ``middle socio-economic group''
lower class ===> ``lower socio-economic group''
The socio-economic model does, however, allow for
finer distinctions to be drawn and frequently schools and similar institutions are placed in `deciles' (scales with ten categories) based on the socio-economic status of their pupils. The socio-economic model also allows such things as
race,
religion,
sexual orientation and
political affiliation to be included
A specific individual has a
socioeconomic status.