People in higher social classes tend to have more:

Individuals in higher social classes typically experience greater access to power, privilege, and prestige due to various systemic factors that influence social stratification. These individuals often have more resources at their disposal, including financial assets, connections, and educational opportunities, which contribute to their elevated social status.

Power refers to the ability to influence decisions and control resources, both in personal circumstances and within broader societal structures. Privilege can manifest in numerous ways, including preferential treatment in various settings, such as education, employment, and social interactions, which are often unearned advantages based on one’s social class. Prestige involves the respect and admiration that society grants to individuals or groups based on their social standing, further reinforcing their position within the social hierarchy.

In contrast, access to free education and the experiences of poverty and hardship are issues more commonly associated with lower social classes. While education and cultural exposure can be gained in higher social classes, they are also aspects that are better described simply in terms of educational attainment and access to cultural institutions rather than as a comparative outcome. Therefore, the combination of power, privilege, and prestige encapsulates the advantages that typically accompany higher social class status.