Luokkajako

Luokkajako is the distribution of a population into social classes based on resources such as income, education, and occupation. It is a central concept in sociology and economics for analyzing social stratification, life chances, and social mobility. The term reflects how societies are structured into different layers that have varying degrees of economic and social power.

In practice, luokkajako is measured with indicators such as occupational class, earnings, educational attainment, and housing conditions. Researchers may use class schemes based on occupation, create income or wealth quintiles, or construct composite indices of social position. Analyses often compare groups like upper, middle, and lower classes or track changes in position over time to assess inequality and mobility.

In Finland, luokkajako is studied with data from national statistics and academic research to understand inequality, opportunities, and the impact of welfare policies. The concept informs discussions on access to education, earnings gaps, taxation, and social safety nets, as well as regional and urban–rural differences.

Historically, the idea draws on classical social theory, notably the work of Marx and Weber, who linked class to economic power and life chances. In contemporary usage, luokkajako intersects with other dimensions of identity such as gender, ethnicity, and age, acknowledging that class dynamics are shaped by multiple social factors along the life course.

Overall, luokkajako describes disparities in resources and life chances among groups in society and remains a key analytic tool for understanding social structure, policy effectiveness, and trends in social mobility.