Definition

Socioeconomic status (SES) refers not simply to income or wealth but also measures of educational attainment and more subjective perceptions of class and social status. SES affects and is affected by the full range of an individual’s lived experiences, including race, ethnic identity, and adverse childhood experiences.  

Additional resources

• Race, Economics, and Social Status (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Socioeconomic status in the U.S. harder to change than any time in past 150 years (University of Pennsylvania)

Summary

Socioeconomic status affects and is affected by the full range of an individual’s lived experiences, including race, ethnic identity, and adverse childhood experiences. Taking these many factors into account can help ensure thoughtful coverage.

Related terms

• class/social class
• social determinants of health