Literature has shown that there is a constructive correlation between an individual's socio-economic status (SES) and their participation in sports activities. This article will define the impact of the social class divide on an individual's opportunities to participate in sports and leisure activities. Also key aspects of the social class system in the UK, from traditional methods of social stratification to the modern 7 class system published in 2013 by the British Broadcast Corporation (BBC). The term "social class" or "socio-economic groups" refers to an individual's status within society. There are various factors that determine an individual's status, such as: income, family background, and educational experiences. This socio-economic status can be seen as a status hierarchy in which three main common social classes are informally accepted in the majority of societies: the upper class, the middle class and the working class (Wesson et al, 2000). Torkildsen (2011) stated that the nature and definition of "social class" is generally considered problematic, as class is not only related to income or occupation, but also to education and to family history. “social class is often seen as a grouping on the basis of occupation, which is a “socio-economic class” rather than a social class” (Torkildsen, 2011 p. 49). divineIn modern society these 3 traditional social classifications, working class, middle class and upper class, are outdated and correspond to less than 40 percent of the UK population. In April 2013, the British Broadcast Corporation introduced a new social classification model in the United Kingdom. Social class and socioeconomic groups have traditionally been defined by income, occupation and education...... middle of paper ...... port. As it stands, they are virtually disenfranchised – a large portion of the tax-paying public who will never set foot in these stadiums and arenas” (quoted in Jarvie, 2012). Works Cited BBC. (2013). Large survey reveals seven social classes in the UK. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22007058. Last accessed October 20, 2013. Jarvie, G. (2012). Sport, social division and social inequalities. Journal of Sports Science. 20 (1-2), 95-109. Torkildsen, G (2011). Sports and leisure management. 6th ed. Oxon: Routledge. 49.Wesson, K., Wiggins, N., Thompson, G & Hartigan, S (2000) Sport and PE: a complete guide to advanced study, second addition, London: Hodder & Stoughton.Wikipedia. (2001). United Kingdom Census 2001. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_Census_2001http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_Census_2001. Last consulted on October 20 2013.