"Of course we're social, but a "class" isn't a social phenomenon. It's a political one. Have you ever heard the term used other than in connection with some political agenda?"

I gave you several examples, and besides, as social animals, politics is how all group decisions are made; whether it be Pharaoh or New England town meeting. Social relations are primarily political ones. Where else are differences and conflict bound to arise, your sports team, the kind of music you like? Of course the concept of class is meaningless without politics. Without politics (or economics, which is the same thing) no one would really care what anyone else was up to.

"City council meetings attract the sort of people who think of themselves as belonging to a class, and usually want the city council to do something to help that class, or penalize another one."

Exactly the point I was trying to make. If the council's certain to do what you want, you'll stay home and watch TV. Of course, no class ever thinks it is "penalizing another one". It only wants "what's fair for everyone".