In sociological terms, wealth is defined as:

Wealth, in sociological terms, encompasses the total assets owned by an individual or family, which includes not just money but also property, stocks, bonds, and other valuable resources. This broader definition is fundamental because it reflects the overall financial health and social status of individuals or families beyond mere income or cash availability.

Understanding wealth in this way provides a clearer insight into social stratification and inequality, as it allows for analysis of how resources are distributed within society. Individuals with significant wealth may have more power and opportunities, leading to disparities in education, health, and lifestyle.

In contrast, the other definitions focus on narrower aspects of financial resources. Money earned from a salary refers only to income and does not account for other forms of wealth. Cash on hand is limited to liquid assets and does not capture overall wealth, while income generated from investments focuses solely on the returns from those investments rather than encompassing total wealth. Thus, acknowledging the full spectrum of assets provides a more comprehensive understanding of wealth and its implications in sociology.