The Egyptian People 67Most social scientists characterise Egyptian society into
three basic social classes that correspond more or less with
socio-economic status—upper, middle, and lower classes.
Intragroup distinctions exist within each of these classes. This
classification probably will work for you in most situations.
In Egypt, status is sometimes more a case of family heritage
than income. There are no hard and fast rules, but Egyptian
society appears quite inflexible (by American standards),
with little or no social mobility. Members of each class tend
to socialise only within their group. Almost no cross-class
marriages occur. As a result, though persons may amass
wealth, gain an education or both, they will not move from
one class to another. Compare this to the American way
where wealth essentially determines social standing and
access to power.
Egyptian upper-class individuals, as a total group, enjoy
significantly better access to position and education than do
members of the middle or lower classes. But even within this
class, certain individuals have easier access. These people
more often occupy higher ranking political or intellectual
positions than do other members of the upper class.
Many upper middle-class individuals actually amass a
great deal of wealth. However, as mentioned, acquisition