`Reality' or `Illusion'? Five Things of Interest about Social Class as a Large Group

Abstract

This article argues that social class, always a controversial and contested topic, can be viewed as a large group, and therefore, further study of social class dynamics, along with further study of large group dynamics, can be mutually informative. Definitions of modern social classes, various and multiple, essentially rank individuals and groups according to their access to resources and accumulated material or social wealth. Importantly; ranking implies a hierarchy of meaning or worth, thus devaluing large groups of people. Therefore, powerful group (class) forces exist that profoundly shape psychological development and intergroup relations, including of course, power relations. Five forces or large group dynamics are considered, each with application to understanding social class dynamics and a modern imperative. reducing inequality and fostering further international collaborations.