Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːlɪŋ klˈas] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "ruling class" refers to the social group that holds power and authority over a society. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˈruː.lɪŋ klæs/. The symbol "ː" indicates a long vowel sound in "ruː" while "lɪŋ" uses the dark L sound, which is pronounced by raising the back of the tongue towards the roof of the mouth. The symbol "æ" represents the short A sound in "klæs".
Ruling class refers to a social group or elite that holds the dominant power and authority in a particular society or nation. This term denotes a privileged and influential class of individuals who have the ability to shape and control the laws, policies, and systems that govern a society, often at the expense of the subordinated or lower classes. The ruling class typically derives its status from factors such as wealth, political connections, or inherited privileges.
Members of the ruling class typically occupy positions of power, such as government officials, politicians, leaders of powerful corporations, aristocrats, or influential intellectuals. They have the ability to make decisions that shape the social, economic, and political landscape of a society. This class often has disproportionate influence in determining the allocation of resources, the distribution of wealth, and the overall direction of society. Its members tend to enjoy economic privileges, social prestige, and access to exclusive networks.
The ruling class tends to maintain its position of dominance by ensuring that the existing systems and power structures of society work in its favor. This may involve strengthening policies or institutions that protect its interests, suppressing dissenting voices, or perpetuating inequality through various means. The concept of a ruling class is often associated with ideas such as class struggle, social inequality, and power relations within a society.
The word "ruling" is derived from the Middle English term "rulen", which originated from the Old French word "ruler" meaning "to govern, to rule". The Old French word has its roots in the Latin word "regula" which means "rule, guide".
The word "class" comes from the Latin word "classis", which referred to a division or order of people. In ancient Rome, the term was used specifically for the division of citizens into different social classes based on wealth and status.
The combination of "ruling" and "class" to form "ruling class" occurred in the late 18th century, likely influenced by the development of political systems that recognized a distinct group of individuals who held power and governed society. The term has since been used to describe a social class or group of individuals who exercise control, influence, and power over a society or state.
