What does the term 'class' refer to in sociological contexts?

In sociological contexts, the term 'class' refers to categories of individuals who share similar levels of prestige, economic status, and lifestyle choices. This understanding of class emphasizes the social stratification within a society, where individuals are grouped based on their social and economic characteristics rather than being fixed in a rigid hierarchy.

Class distinctions can manifest in various ways, including access to resources, education, and power, which profoundly influence personal experiences and opportunities. This categorization recognizes that while individuals may occupy different social positions, they often share common experiences and identities based on their class affiliations.

The concept also highlights the fluidity and dynamics of social structures, where one’s class can change over time due to various factors such as mobility, economic changes, or shifts in societal values. Thus, interpreting 'class' as categories of individuals with equal prestige underscores the importance of social grouping and its impact on individual and collective identities within a sociological framework.