Which concept describes the economic resources available to an individual or group within society?

The concept that describes the economic resources available to an individual or group within society is wealth. Wealth encompasses the accumulation of valuable assets and resources, including money, property, investments, and any other form of economic capital. It plays a crucial role in determining an individual’s or group's economic stability and social standing.

Wealth is directly tied to one's ability to access or influence various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and opportunities in the job market. Those with greater wealth typically have more options and resources available to them, allowing for a higher standard of living and enhanced social mobility. In sociology, the distribution of wealth is a central topic, as it highlights the inequalities present in society and how they affect individuals' quality of life.

Other concepts like status and power do relate to social standing but are not directly tied to economic resources. Status refers more to one’s position within the social hierarchy, while power is related to the ability to influence others or control resources, which can sometimes arise from wealth but does not inherently define economic resources. Education, though influential in obtaining better economic opportunities, does not itself represent the economic resources one possesses.