Final answer:
The term 'class' is seen as outdated by some authors due to the blurred boundaries between social groups, driven by evolving social dynamics and increased social stratification that complicates the clear-cut categorization of individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some authors believe that the term class is outdated because of the blurred boundaries between social groups. This belief stems from the observation that traditional class markers, which once distinctly separated social groups by behaviors, customs, and norms, have become less definitive in modern societies. Increased social stratification has led to more complex and overlapping identities, where individuals can share characteristics of multiple socioeconomic groups, making it harder to define clear-cut classes.
Historically, class systems allowed for social mobility, wherein individuals could move to different socioeconomic levels than those of their parents, and were characterized by a mix of both social factors and individual achievement. However, in contemporary society, the rise of cultural diversity, global connectivity, and various social movements has made the rigid categorization of people less applicable and reflective of real-world social dynamics. This does not mean that social hierarchies have disappeared; instead, the means by which people are ranked and segregated have evolved, leading some to argue for the need to update our understanding of socioeconomic divisions.