overklasse

Overklasse is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to denote the upper stratum of society, commonly translated as the upper class in English. It refers to a group characterized by high wealth, income, education, and social prestige, and often by political influence or access to elite networks. The concept can encompass inherited aristocracy as well as modern economic elites.

In sociology and social analysis, the overklasse is contrasted with lower strata such as the middle class and the working class. Its boundaries are not fixed and depend on country, period, and the indicators used, including net worth, annual income, occupation, educational attainment, and cultural capital. Some definitions emphasize inherited status and social lineage, while others focus on material resources and influence regardless of origin.

Historically, European upper strata included landowning nobility and, later, industrial and financial magnates. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the concept often expands to include transnational executives, major shareholders, top professionals, and prominent political or cultural figures who command extensive resources and networks. Globalization and economic concentration have contributed to a perceived widening of elite influence across borders.

Contemporary usage of overklasse can vary by context and may overlap with terms like elite or upper class. Critics argue that the category is imprecise and socially loaded, while supporters use it to analyze patterns of wealth, power, and social reproduction. Overall, the overklasse denotes a small, influential segment at the top of the social hierarchy.