Klassengrenze

Klassengrenze is a sociological term used to describe the boundary between social classes within a society. It refers to the dividing lines that determine access to economic resources, status, and life chances. The boundary is not a fixed line but a gradient shaped by income, wealth, education, occupation, and the institutions that organize opportunity.

The concept draws on classical theories of social stratification in German-speaking sociology, notably Marxist analyses of class in relation to the means of production and Weberian ideas about status and party. In contemporary usage, it also incorporates Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital and habitus, which explain how non-economic resources contribute to reproducing class position across generations.

Class boundaries manifest in concrete forms such as differences in income and wealth, educational attainment, job types, housing and neighborhood, and access to networks and social influence. School systems, labor markets, and housing policy can reinforce or blur the boundary by shaping opportunities for mobility and persistence of disadvantage. Cultural expectations and practices associated with family background can further entrench the gap.

Klassengrenze has implications for life chances, including health, educational outcomes, and political participation. It is a central concern in debates about social inequality and mobility, particularly in discussions of meritocracy versus structural barriers to advancement.

Researchers measure class boundaries using indicators such as income and wealth distributions, educational levels, and occupational hierarchies. Policy responses often aim to reduce boundaries through public investment in education, social safety nets, affordable housing, and measures to promote inclusive growth and equal opportunity.