The Socioeconomic Stratification System (SES) in Colombia is an official classification mechanism used by the government to determine eligibility for subsidies on a sliding scale based on conditions of the dwelling and access to infrastructure. This system classifies housing in up to six categories depending on the household’s features, surrounding area, and urban context. In this thesis, I analyze the social and epistemological implications of the SES in Colombia by looking at how the SES facilitates society to reimagine class identity affecting self-worth and social mobility. The two-main arguments are: 1) the SES categorization system has been transformed from a housing label to the identity of the individual, and 2) social dynamics in Colombia have been altered by the SES. Finally, this thesis should demonstrate the importance for research that not only focuses on the effectiveness of social programs, but also, on their social impact.
