Beyond the Social Hierarchy

Have you ever wondered about your social status or position in society? In this article I’m going to take a look at hierarchical systems, what they are and how they define our identity. We will also examine some popular attempts to challenge the status quo and increase social mobility along with criticisms on their effectiveness. Finally, we will conclude with some thoughts on how to maximize our self-esteem regardless of where we happen to find ourselves.

What is Social Hierarchy?

It is useful to know that social hierarchy is not an exclusively human construct. Other beings that share our biosphere exhibit various forms of hierarchical orderings. In fact, we can learn a great deal about ourselves by studying our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, the apes. Very much like us, apes engage in social hierarchies that allow them to determine relation, position, and priority within their groups.

In ape communities, a remarkably clear pecking order is evident, with each member assigned a certain rank that dictates its access to resources, mates, and social interactions. With strong parallels to human society, these hierarchies can be based upon size, strength, aggression, and intelligence, even social networking abilities.

We, humans, have developed a more complex system, which goes beyond physical attributes or violence. Our societal hierarchies are often shaped by economic resources, educational attainment, professional achievements, and cultural distinctions.

• Economic Resources: Wealth is a significant determinant of societal standing. Those with more financial resources usually hold higher positions within the social hierarchy.
• Educational Attainment: Level of education is a key marker of social status. Generally, a higher level of education equates to a higher social standing.
• Professional Achievements: Success in one’s profession often translates into a higher societal rank. Achievements are markers of an individual’s abilities, significantly influencing their placement within the social hierarchy.
• Cultural Distinctions: Cultural indicators, such as language, dress, or manners, can signal an individual’s social rank within a group or society.

Apes or humans, it is clear that hierarchical order is fundamental to the functioning and organization of groups and larger societies. It sets the stage for social interactions, negotiations, and competition, distinguishing between ‘who belongs where’, ‘who gets what’ and ‘who has a say over whom’.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
– Niccolò Machiavelli

Class and Hierarchy in Human Society

Examining societal structure, we encounter deeply embedded hierarchies that stretch across cultures and centuries. Strikingly, these structures variably affect every aspect of human existence, and this prevalence is clearly noticeable when looking at different societies around the world. 

Consider the caste system in India, an intricate and complex hierarchical structure operating primarily based on hereditary status. Born into a particular caste, you are largely confined to the opportunities, jobs and mates available within that caste alone, regardless of your personal qualities or abilities. This system not only shapes an individual’s societal position but also predefines potential prospects for advancement. 

In the corporatocracy model commonly seen in modern economies, corporations demonstrate significant power and influence over government decisions and policies. This hierarchy limits the ability of the everyday citizen to influence legislative outcomes, thus creating a socio-economic power imbalance. 

In the military, a rigid and clearly defined command-and-control hierarchy dictates every facet of the institution’s function. An individual’s rank determines their authority, duties, and permissible actions, leading to a structured order that guides operation efficiency. 

The patriarchy—a social system wherein men hold primary power and predominate in roles of leadership—is another representation of societal hierarchy. Often subtly woven into the societal fabric, this model influences key aspects of life including family dynamics, economic circumstances, and opportunities for female advancement.

Another form of hierarchy relates to economic class in capitalist societies. Here, an individual’s position in the production cycle largely dictates their social position, freedom, and status. Those possessing a greater proportion of societal resources receive more power, respect, and opportunities, increasingly leading to monopoly and plutocracy. 

In essence, hierarchical systems permeate every society, shape societal interactions, and largely control both access and allocation of resources. By understanding these hierarchies, we better equip ourselves to navigate, question, and potentially reshape them for our collective betterment.

The Existential Struggle of Significance

How do such systems influence our sense of personal significance and how can we rise above them to define our worth outside of external perceptions? 

You, like me, might have experienced a sense of restlessness, a nagging itch of not being enough. It’s perhaps the symptom of a disease that’s wired into our socio-cultural consciousness: the anxiety to matter, to be someone of significance. It’s arguably a collective neurosis, arising from the unyielding competition and the need to stand out in the crowd.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.
– Abraham Lincoln

Self-esteem, status, and recognition are considered important in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (see below). These concepts underline our existential drive to secure a place within our social realm and gain respect from those around us. But why is it that we yearn for such confirmation? Simply put, it comes down to the fundamental human need for validation and belonging. 

About 55% of people feel that their social status affects their mental health.

Is it not true that we yearn to be seen, to be recognized for our efforts, our achievements and our unique traits. Whether it’s in our personal or professional lives, we strive for a sense of importance and a seat at the proverbial table. This drive is inextricably tied to self-esteem, and by promoting healthy self-esteem, we can navigate the ebb and flow of social hierarchy with grace and confidence. 

Historically, we have been the architects of our hierarchies, drawing lines between groups and ascribing values based on characteristics such as wealth, power, and nobility. However, they cascaded down ages to influence and become integral parts of societies around the world. Recognizing the limitations on your social mobility can be a hard pill to swallow. 

Making your Mark: Ideological Paradigms

We are often told you aren’t he!d hostage to these societal structures. You can, on your own terms, define your worth and significance. External perceptions are but chains that limit your potential. Inspirational speakers tell us to recognize the power you hold as an individual to shape your life narrative, irrespective of the societal pressure to conform or compete. These status systems, they say, have an influence but don’t need to define who you are or what you can become. 

It is also said that human ambition knows no bounds, and you, with your unique capabilities and strengths, are capable of reshaping your own destiny, no matter the hurdle. You should continue to create, strive, and triumph – in ways that matter to you. Because who you are, what you’ve done, and what you might still achieve, hold immense value and extraordinary promise.

These are great thoughts to reflect upon. Let’s consider how they have been used in a larger cultural context.

The American Dream and Classless Society

Consider the American Dream – a timeless concept taken to heart by countless individuals who believe in the power of hard work and determination. You’ve surely heard tales of seemingly insurmountable odds, only for the protagonist to achieve astounding success through shear will and an unwavering resolve. These stories aren’t just the stuff of movies and books, but genuine reflections of a society where dreams are realized through diligent effort. 

Across the Atlantic, a nation steeped in traditions that reach back centuries, Britain, too, has had its own dialogues and wrestles with societal structures and social hierarchies. A prominent influencer in revamping this landscape was none other than Tony Blair, Britain’s former Prime Minister. 

Blair, known for his determined approach towards equality and progress, pushed for a new paradigm—a classless society. He envisioned a nation where one’s social status didn’t define their potential, but rather the merit of their abilities and achievements. “Classless society,” a term frequently uttered in Blair’s rhetoric, then became not just a political slogan, but a manifestation of a dream where anyone, regardless of their birthright, could ascend to the pinnacle of success with their merit. 

Just like the American Dream, Blair’s concept of a classless society exalted the idea of equality and fair competition—each individual stood on the same battleground, making their way to the top solely based on their skills, hard work, and sheer determination. It was a promise of a society where one’s ideas and achievements were prized over their ancestry or financial backing. A nod to the truth that what we can do is far more impactful than from where we hailed.

Today, however, many have called into question the truth of these dreams. Have we actually moved to a fairer world? Or are these ideals a hollow propaganda intended to mollify people in the face of increasing wealth disaparity?

Criticisms of the Dream

Underneath the optimism of the American Dream hide stark realities that challenge our idea of the meritocracy. In the first place, circumstances are often stacked against us from the start, echoing persistent social hierarchies deeply embedded within our societal structure. The level playing field is an illusion. and it’s crucial to grasp this fact if we wish to truly address inequality. 

Although the promise of upward mobility forms the cornerstone of the American Dream, data tells a bleaker tale. Economic mobility is not only notoriously difficult, it is also increasingly rare. Unfortunately, your birthplace, your upbringing, and your family’s socioeconomic standing have a profound impact on your future prospects. This doesn’t deny the existence of self-made success stories, but remember, exceptions don’t negate trends. 

Furthermore, this ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’ narrative absolves the system from accountability, thereby perpetuating inequality and furthering social stratification. It whispers in your ear, “if only you worked harder, if only you tried more,” without admitting that some boots have been made heavier by systemic biases and socio-economic disparities. The obstacles faced by a child born into poverty are hugely different compared to those encountered by their wealthier counterparts. 

Cultural bias affects the selection process for all kinds of work from hiring candidates because they act and look like the recruiter to wider national preferences. The Hollywood film industry is a surprisingly small world and a clique where deference must be paid to established members in order to progress and find work.

Therefore, while the American Dream’s spirit fosters hope and resilience, its unyielding emphasis on individualism often conceals societal barriers that impede people’s path to success. This demands our attention—to not just dream, but to advocate for a society in which all dreams have an equitable chance of realization.

Strategies to increase self-esteem

Self-esteem is essentially our internal barometer of worth, providing us a gauge of our own value and capabilities. A person with high self-esteem believes in their worth, has confidence in their abilities, and usually experiences a sense of belonging and acceptance. Conversely, a person with low self-esteem may struggle with feelings of inferiority and may feel less valued or less capable. This impacts their social interactions, their relationships, and yes, their perceived social status. 

Understanding these dynamics is the first step in making positive changes in your life and reducing dissatisfaction. It all begins with self-reflection and an unbiased evaluation of your self-worth. Do you respect yourself? Are you proud of your achievements? Are you kind to yourself? These questions can lead you to a deeper understanding of your self-esteem. 

However, it’s vital to remember that navigating social hierarchy is not just about climbing higher. It’s about finding a place that allows you to be your authentic self, that aligns with your values and principles, and that promotes your overall well-being. Remember, a higher position does not necessarily equate to contentment or happiness. Be true to yourself, fuel your self-esteem, and find your genuine place in a community that cares about you.

Building a healthier self-esteem is not an overnight process. It requires consistent effort, a willingness to challenge negative self-beliefs, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. But the reward? A stronger sense of self, a larger dose of confidence, and the ability to navigate the nuances of social hierarchy effortlessly. It’s powerfully liberating, and a journey well worth embarking on.