The definition of the term has changed over time to include a wider range of people. Today, celebrities, politicians, investors, and other wealthy individuals fall into this group. In the United States, those who lived?and continue to live?in leadership roles in society are often considered part of the upper class.

In 2026, sociologists generally categorize celebrities as members of the "New Upper Class" or the "Elite Stratum," though their status is often based on "achieved" rather than "ascribed" wealth. Historically, the upper class was defined by "Old Money" and land ownership, but modern celebrity has transformed "fame" into a form of symbolic capital. While they possess the immense wealth and social influence characteristic of the upper class, some traditionalists still distinguish them as "nouveau riche" (new money) compared to hereditary aristocrats. However, because celebrities in 2026 often command multi-million dollar "personal brands" and move in the same circles as CEOs and high-ranking officials, they are functionally part of the highest social tier. They possess "High Status" due to their immense cultural visibility, which in 2026's media-driven society often translates to more social power than traditional "Upper Class" lineage alone.