Class
A group of people sharing the same social, economic, or occupational status. The term class usually implies a social and economic hierarchy, in which those of higher class standing have greater status, privilege, prestige, and authority. Western societies have traditionally been divided into three classes: the upper or leisure class, the middle class (bourgeoisie), and the lower or working class. For Marxists, the significant classes are the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. These social characteristics can shape people's lives, either limiting or expanding opportunities, especially income, power and education.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)
An individual's or group's position within a hierarchical social structure. Socioeconomic status depends on a combination of variables, including occupation, education, income, wealth, and place of residence. Sociologists often use socioeconomic status as a means of predicting behavior.

Social Reproduction
The maintenance of power and privilege between social classes from one generation to the next.

Authoritarian
Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
A concept developed by Robert K. Merton to explain how a belief or expectation, whether correct or not, affects the outcome of a situation or the way a person (or group) will behave. Thus, for example, labeling someone a "criminal," and treating that person as such, may foster criminal behavior in the person who is subjected to the expectation.

Common Good
The idea that society is collectively responsible for the well-being of all its members.