the social ladder

The hierarchical structure or makeup of a culture, society, or social environment. Miss Dumfey hopes to improve her standing on the social ladder with a marriage to the baron. It's always hard for high school freshmen to find their place on the social ladder. Mary's had a chip on her shoulder from being raised in a trailer park, so climbing the social ladder has been her only aim since leaving home.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Mariette	-	French
Na'im	-	Arabic
Telma	-	Portuguese
Jenkins	['dʒeŋkinz]
Phuntso	-	Bhutanese
Carreen	kə-REEN	English (Rare)