Which of these statements relates to a person’s socioeconomic status?
a) “He is doing well in school.”
b) “He is just a teen.”
c) “She has a Ph.D.”
d) “She just turned 65.”
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c) “She has a Ph.D.”
Socioeconomic status (SES) refers to an individual’s or group’s position within a hierarchical social structure, based on factors like income, education, occupation, and wealth. It reflects the social and economic factors that influence one’s lifestyle, access to resources, and opportunities in life.
In this case, the statement “She has a Ph.D.” directly relates to socioeconomic status because educational attainment is a key component of SES. People with higher education degrees, like a Ph.D., typically have access to higher-paying jobs, greater career opportunities, and a higher social standing. This education level often correlates with better economic resources and access to benefits, thus placing a person in a higher socioeconomic category.
The other options do not directly address SES:
- a) “He is doing well in school” could be an indicator of future success but does not provide concrete information about the individual’s current economic or social standing.
- b) “He is just a teen” speaks to age, not socioeconomic status.
- d) “She just turned 65” speaks to age as well, without any indication of the person’s economic or educational background.
Educational attainment often has a strong influence on one’s future income, career, and overall quality of life. Higher education tends to open doors to better job markets and more secure financial positions, which is why having a Ph.D. is a clear indicator of a higher socioeconomic status.