class-conscious
Definition
Adjective: 1. Aware of social class distinctions: Describes a person or group that is acutely aware of the differences between social classes (e.g., working class, middle class, upper class) and often behaves according to these perceived distinctions. 2. Characterized by class awareness: Describes a society, attitude, or behavior that is marked by a strong sense of social hierarchy and division.
Usage
The adjective "class-conscious" is used to describe both individuals and the collective character of a group or society. It often carries a neutral or analytical tone in sociology but can imply criticism when suggesting snobbery, prejudice, or excessive focus on social status.
Examples
- Describing a person:
- He is very class-conscious and only associates with people from similar educational and professional backgrounds.
- Growing up in a class-conscious household, she was always aware of the subtle social codes.
- Describing a society or group:
- Victorian England was a highly class-conscious society.
- The novel explores the tensions in a class-conscious community.
Advanced Usage
- Sociological analysis: The term is frequently used in social sciences to analyze structures and behaviors.
- The study examines how class-conscious attitudes affect social mobility.
Variants and Related Words
- Class consciousness (noun): The state of being class-conscious; the awareness of one's social class and its interests.
- The movement aimed to raise the class consciousness of the workers.
Synonyms
- Status-conscious: Focused on social or professional standing.
- Hierarchical: Arranged in order of rank.
- Stratified: Formed into distinct social classes.
Antonyms
- Egalitarian: Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal.
- Classless: Not divided into social classes.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Know one's place: (Idiom) To behave in a way considered appropriate to one's social class. This idiom reflects a class-conscious mindset.
- In that class-conscious era, people were expected to know their place.
Adjective
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(used of society) socially hierarchical
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American society is becoming increasingly stratified
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