Socioeconomic status
Socioeconomic status is the social standing or class of an individual or group. It is often measured as a combination of education, income and occupation.
Examinations of socioeconomic status often reveal inequities in access to resources, plus issues related to privilege, power and control.
Adapted from APA’s Socioeconomic Status Office publications
What You Can Do
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Children, Youth, Families and Socioeconomic Status
Learn how socioeconomic status affects psychological and physical health, education and family well-being.
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Education and Socioeconomic Status
This fact sheet explains the impact socioeconomic status has on educational outcomes.
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Ethnic and Racial Minorities & Socioeconomic Status
Learn how socioeconomic status affects the lives of many racial and ethnic minorities.
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Violence & Socioeconomic Status
This fact sheet explains how exposure to violence affects education, employment and other socioeconomic factors.
Getting Help
News
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The toll poverty takes on children's mental health
January 10, 2017, CBS News
Related APA Publications
APA Offices and Programs
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Socioeconomic Status Office
The Office on Socioeconomic Status is responsible for directing, overseeing, facilitating and promoting psychology’s contribution to the understanding of SES and the lives and well-being of the poor.