A Seven-step Process to Update Dr. B.G. Prasad's Socioeconomic Status Scale

Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of health and utilization of health care services. Though there are various criteria used to construct an SES scale (method of social classification), income is used as the sole or major criterion in some situations. Dr. B.G. Prasad (India), in 1961, constructed the SES scale using income as the criterion. This scale is still being used by researchers and students by updating it using consumer price index and linking factors released by the Government of India from time to time. This paper seeks to describe a seven-step process to update Dr. B.G. Prasad's SES scale based on Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers in India. The rationale behind the process and relevant concepts are explained in detail.