As a high school student (currently studying my Higher School Certificate), I have a limited understanding of the way our society functions, though I am still highly stimulated by political discussions. As part of my HSC course I am required to complete a 7000 word thesis on the 'Hierarchy of Australian Society'.

I am currently analysing how society changes by deconstructing into two levels of social change: Macro - Change for society as a whole and Micro - smaller changes. I am trying to understand:

1. Why are there class differences?
2. What does this serve?

If you have any notions on the above two questions, please take part in this discussion. It will help me greatly, and I believe that it makes interesting and subjective conversation.

It's an interesting question.

In my view, the real reason we have class differences is fundamentally due to the fact that humans are so different - in understanding, ability and wisdom, etc. Due to the law of life that birds of a feather flock together, the like-minded are born into circumstances that allow them to develop in an environment that is right for them. As they clump together, this automatically results in a stratification of society, which over time refines itself into a class system.

I understand your question to impute that politics has something seminal to do with the class system. I disagree with this notion. I believe the politics comes AFTER the event to essentially protect the interests of each of the different groups/classes and to stop the incursion of one into another (eg like Pauline Hanson tried to do in 1996). In summary, the groupings of similar people are natural, the motivation behind the politics is also natural, but the substance of the political discussion is often largely artificial or exaggerated.

As for change - both macro and micro - they are in a state of constant flux. To take the big picture, if it zigs, it's just a matter of time before it zags back again. It's just a question of how and when.

1. Why are there class differences?

Money.

2. What does this serve?

Nothing.

I suspect if a bum one lotto they would move to upper class quite swiftly. Old money and new money seem to be the only class systems at that level. Other levels vary on amounts.

I hope when you have completed your thesis you can tell us about it and what you found Mr Knox.

E Knox I suggest you study it from our tribal roots.There are leaders and followers.Class is based on ability as well as genetics,and how well connected you are.Indian Cast system is based on genetics.

Basically humans are very insecure beings and like to achieve security by achieving status through money or fame.It is a double edged sword that helps organise society but also is the source conflict and even wars.

It is a huge topic .Good luck.

<<..how society changes..by deconstructing into two levels of social change:Macro..Why are there class differences?..>>at the macro level there are the elites who got great gifts of advantage[like free land[or govt pensions..or mineral wealth..ot exclusive franchises

at the macro they need to keep their gifts...thus need to set up excl,usive means to keep their gifts...like exclusive clubs[board memberships...party organisers[or public serrvice...but also via law and other defacto franchises like medicine or science etc

all basiclly kept exclusive by having punitive pricing structures top keep out the riff raf..[or as the elites call them[the useless eaters]
thus we see private hospitals/exclusive suburbs/private insurance/first class travel...

and many other exclusive items only affordable by those with huge income streams via family/trust aRRANGMENTS..or expense accounts...paid consultancies...board positions...favourable terms and of course govt honours and titles...all invitation only

<<2. What does this serve?..>> it serves to keep the inbred elites away from the contagin of poverty and impoverishment...ensuring loyalty to the old school tie...[or the party machine...or the system of govt pensionings

E Knox, class occurs
when women and men boss over each other.
achieve equity between women and men
with a Republic of Australia
comprised of agreement between
women's and men's legislatures
and Australians achieve classlessness.
class serves the interests of a dominant gender.