Indicators of Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Image 1 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog
Assignment - Intro to Urban Geo)    

This picture was taken at Fredrick Street. 
 
Hierarchies may also be extremely multidimensional and complex, such as contemporary human societies, with innumerate subgroups and subcultures, and with stratification built along many lines including intelligence, appearance, talent, experience, age, pedigree, language accent, work ethic, and so forth. Relatedly, the level in inequality within and between dimensions of SES varies as well (Smith et al. 2011).

This picture was taken in Chaguanas next to the Chaguanas gas station. 

I maintain that SES is a construct that reflects one’s access to collectively desired resources, be they material goods, money, power, friendship networks, healthcare, leisure time, or educational opportunities (Oakes and Rossi 2003).

Image 2 (Source: Phang. 2015.

             Blog Assignment - Intro to Urban Geo)

The above images were taken at two locations. The first was taken at Port of Spain along the shopping district. The women shown were fashion forward and stood out. They without a doubt at first glance look like they are on this particular street to shop and entertain themselves. They're dressed casually and very possibly comfortably. The second image shown was taken in Chaguanas. The woman in particular wasn't in Chaguanas to shop but to do business or for entertainment. She's a walking salesperson and sustains her family and pays rent this way. She's also dressed comfortably and in both images flat footwear is worn as it is much more comfortable for long periods on the feet. There's a common saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." At first glance a person's income, bank account, state of health, level of education and job cannot be determined therefore how could one know their SES?

Socioeconomic is defined according to Merriam Webster dictionary: of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors. According to Michael Oakes in EHow, Socio economic status is lifestyle components and measurements of both financial viability and social standing. Social privilege and levels of financial independence are influenced by this. The factors listed below are studied by psychologist in order to determine the affect it has on human behaviors and circumstances. He goes on by stateing "as lifestyle measurements, they are believed to be directly correlated to patterns of drug use, food choices, migration, disease prevalence and rates of mortality in human populations." He strongly believes that one's economic status is heavily influenced by one's level of education as well as one's social status and to be trusted in one's particular field.

Factors associated with Socioeconomic Status (SES)

• ·         Education
• ·         Income: influences spending capacity, neighborhood choices, living conditions, higher educational pursuits, lifestyle choices and poor people making alternative choices.
• ·         Health: definite measurement of socio-economic status can hinder progress in education and employment options, affects mobility and the ability to socialize.
• ·         Environment as it reflects the socio-economic status of the person or persons.

 It has so far become obvious that SES "indicates one's position in a social hierachy or stratification" (Oakes, Michael). Social hierarchy, or stratification, appears to be intuitively recognized by most everyone everywhere (Smith et al. 2011). It is stated as well that there are various indicators during social interactions which convey one’s SES to other members of the social group.

Although there is no set definition for socioeconomic status and the variables used are always changing and the factors used to determine one’s SES is politically defined the above listed factors are what is used presently to determine one’s SES. There Is one thing that should be made aware with the use of socioeconomic status and that is status or position.  According to Professor Michael Oakes in  Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, socioeconomic status indicates one’s position in a social hierarchy or stratification. Social hierarchy, or stratification, appears to be intuitively recognized by most everyone everywhere (Smith et al. 2011). It is stated as well that there are various indicators during social interactions which convey one’s SES to other members of the social group. These indicators can be clothing, accessories, makeup, house, car, table manners, codes of humor, knowledge and so on.

They used the term caste as it conveys one’s social class, status or position however someone’s socioeconomic status can change because the factors used to measure namely income, education and health in most cases can change. This therefore would result in the rise or fall in a persons or person’s socioeconomic status. There are exceptions to these factors as not everyone who are rich completed their education or not all that have completed their education are rich. These factors are necessary to quantify if not understand the level of stratification or inequality in or between societies; capture and understand changes to the structure of a society; and it relates to the higher the rank or status of a person or group the better the chances for a long and healthy life.