The upper class in modern societies is the social class composed of the wealthiest members of society, who also wield the greatest political power. The upper class is generally contained within the wealthiest 1-2% of the population, and is distinguished by immense wealth (in the form of estates) which is passed from generation to generation.
The term is often used in conjunction with the terms "middle class" and "working class" as part of a tripartite model of social stratification.
Read more about Upper Class: Historical Meaning, United Kingdom, United States
Famous quotes related to upper class:
“The stately Homes of England,
How beautiful they stand,
To prove the upper classes
Have still the upper hand.”
—Noël Coward (1899–1973)
“Like many of the Upper Class He liked the Sound of Broken Glass.”
—Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)