Definition

Noun: - The class of people exerting power or authority: A social group that holds a dominant position in a society, typically controlling its political, economic, and social institutions. This group exercises significant influence over the laws, norms, and direction of the community or nation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Historians often analyze how the ruling class maintained its power through land ownership and military control.
  • The revolution aimed to dismantle the privileges of the old ruling class.
  • Policies tend to reflect the interests of the ruling class rather than those of the common people.

Advanced Usage

• "The ruling class" as a conceptual term: Often used in sociological, political, and historical analyses to discuss power structures, hegemony, and social stratification.
  • The book examines the cultural values promoted by the ruling class to legitimize its authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Elite (noun): A select group that is superior in terms of ability, qualities, wealth, or social status. While often overlapping, "elite" can be broader than "ruling class," including cultural or intellectual leaders not necessarily in direct political power.
• Aristocracy (noun): A form of ruling class, typically hereditary, consisting of nobles who hold titles and land.
• Oligarchy (noun): A ruling class where power is held by a small, often wealthy, group.
• Plutocracy (noun): A ruling class constituted by the wealthy.

Synonyms

• Power elite
• Dominant class
• Governing class
• Establishment (in a political/social context)

Related Phrases

• Class rule: The exercise of authority by a specific social class.
• Hegemony: The political, economic, and ideological dominance of one social group over others, often associated with the influence of the ruling class.

Noun

1. the class of people exerting power or authority