How was social prestige determined in the south?

In the South, social prestige was primarily determined by factors such as wealth, land ownership, and family lineage. The plantation economy created a hierarchy where wealthy landowners, often white, held significant social power and influence. Additionally, social status was reinforced through cultural practices, education, and connections within elite social circles, often perpetuating a system of privilege based on race and class. Overall, social prestige was closely tied to economic resources and adherence to traditional social norms.