Australia has four new social classes. So, are you a Gestater or a Slogger?

It might not be as simple as ‘upper, middle, working’ anymore, but new research suggests Australia still definitely has distinct social classes.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’ll get shunted in the queue for the life-raft.

The Real Insurance Class Systems Survey questioned over 1000 Australians on topics including income, education, values, and ambitions, and found that there are four large emerging social groups that are defying the old-school stereotypes.

Which one are you?

Start-up stars

This is a thoroughly modern breed. You know the type – ambitious, upwardly mobile, in-demand professionally, tech savvy. They probably wear an expensive watch, drive a Tesla and drink double espressos – but that’s just our guess.

According to the researchers, you’ll generally find these people working in a digital industry, like online marketing or app development, for example. In fact, 60 per cent of this group claim to work in industries or occupations that were rare or didn’t even exist 10 years ago.

These people have “expensive tastes and they tend to be the most class-conscious and materialistic”, says Real Insurance.

Gen 2.0

RealInsurance call this group the “multi-cultural marvels”.

They’re often first-generation Australians, the children of immigrants, who have obtained a quality education and are now forging successful careers.

Happiest spending time with relatives, they’re described as “more family oriented and humble, proud to better themselves but also very proud of their roots”.

Their Linkedin page will usually reveal them to be managers or successful professionals, and they tend to be the best savers.

Start-up stars versus Gen 2.0. via Real Insurance.

Gestaters

This is the category for your lazy sibling. The one who still lives at home with the 'rents, wallowing in the luxury of youth, with little in the way of aspirations or career prospects.

Researchers describe this group as materialistic but not ambitious, which often leads to them living well beyond their means.

Heavily influenced by peers and celebrities, to the point that they care more about the lives of the rich and famous than they do improving their own financial situation.

Basically, they live vivaciously through the Kardashians.

Sloggers

This is likely where your Mum and Dad land. Bless. They've had it rough - working well beyond retirement age because their investments were steamrolled.

Still, they're down to earth and tend to be pretty content with what they have. They also don't give much of a toss about the social class/financial standing of others.

They're your classic blue-collar Aussie, happiest having a bevvy with friends after a long shift.

via GIPHY

Of course, these categories are fluid and plenty of people will straddle more than one. But the researchers believe they're also being pushed farther and farther apart by technology.

Basically those taking advantage of technological innovation are excelling, while those who aren't harnessing that potential are being left behind (or at least have a very different concept of the definition of success).

Don't know about you, but we have sudden (pannicky) desire to learn how to build apps.