A class system is a form of social stratification based on economic factors, education, occupation, and lifestyle, with varying degrees of mobility and class awareness. It is an open system, unlike caste systems, allowing movement between classes.

Key Characteristics:

1. Economic Basis:

   • Wealth and Income: Class is influenced by wealth (assets minus debts) and income (earnings from work and investments).

   • Occupation: The type of work and position within the economic structure determine class.

   • Ownership: Control over production means or capital is a key factor in some models.

2. Social Mobility:

   • Open System: Unlike caste systems, individuals can move between classes based on effort, education, and achievements.

   • Achieved Status: Social standing can change through life experiences, rather than being fixed at birth.

3. Class Consciousness:

   • Group Identity: Class members may share a common identity, leading to collective action.

   • Perceptions of Superiority/Inferiority: Higher classes may feel superior, while lower classes may feel inferior.

4. Hierarchy:

   • Status Groups: Class systems create a social hierarchy with unequal access to resources, power, and prestige.

   • Sub-classes: Further divisions within classes can occur based on occupation or lifestyle.

5. Lifestyle and Culture:

   • Distinctive Patterns: Each class has its own lifestyle, cultural preferences, and social behaviors.

   • Cultural Capital: Education, language, and cultural knowledge influence class and status.

6. Social Relations:

   • Limited Interaction: While more fluid than caste systems, class systems may still restrict interaction between classes.

   • Endogamy: Marrying within one's own class is more common than marrying across class boundaries.

In summary, a class system is marked by economic inequality, social mobility, and varying lifestyles, with both opportunities for advancement and potential social conflicts.