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The Daily Insight

What are the structures for social class in Nigeria?

Author

James Stevens

Updated on February 27, 2026

The social structure in Nigeria is the hierarchical characterisation of social status, historically stratified under the Nigerian traditional rulers and their subordinate chiefs, with a focus on tribe and ethnicity which continued with the advent of colonisation.

Does Nigeria have a class system?

Nigeria can best be described as a country of Social Classes. Some of these classes are the Business class (Bourgeoisie), the Political Class, the Working Class (Organized labour), the Military, the Traditional Rulers, Civil Servants (Bureaucracy).

What social classes exist today?

Many sociologists suggest five:

  • Upper Class – Elite.
  • Upper Middle Class.
  • Lower Middle Class.
  • Working Class.
  • Poor.

What are the 3 kinds of social classes before?

Sociologists generally posit three classes: upper, working (or lower), and middle.

How are social classes categorized?

Social classes are hierarchical groupings of individuals that are usually based on wealth, educational attainment, occupation, income, or membership in a subculture or social network. Many Americans recognize a simple three-tier model that includes the upper class, the middle class, and the lower or working class.

How many social classes are there in Nigeria?

There are five different social classes in Nigeria. The social structure is similar to the structure in the United States. The social classes are based on a person’s occupation and not his/her income. The first three classes are the elite and the last two are less prestigious.The highest social…

Is Nigeria a bourgeoisie or working class?

To this extent we can say Nigerian nascent bourgeoisie through economic nationalism fought for independence. The second most significant social class is the working class. All theorists of Social Classes see the working class as a subordinate and exploited class.

What are the different social classes in sociology?

Some of these classes are the Business class (Bourgeoisie), the Political Class, the Working Class (Organized labour), the Military, the Traditional Rulers, Civil Servants (Bureaucracy). Just as Claude Ake has observed each of these classes is complex and considerably heterogeneous.

Who are the non-elite groups in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, if a person is wealthy and educated, it can be assumed that he/she fit into one of the first three classes. The next two classes are seen as the non-elite categories. Next on the list is “Minor White Collar Workers” (Smythe 170).