Social class in the United States has been constructed largely through a combination of economic, educational, and occupational factors. Economic factors such as income, wealth, and occupation are often used to define social class. Educational attainment is also a major factor in determining social class, as those with higher levels of education tend to have higher incomes and more prestigious occupations. Occupational prestige is also a major factor in determining social class, as those with higher-status occupations tend to have higher incomes and more social prestige. Additionally, race and ethnicity can also play a role in determining social class, as certain racial and ethnic groups tend to have higher or lower levels of economic and educational attainment.
