Colombian society is divided between the upper and lower classes, with a large and growing gap between them. A middle class developed during the 20th century, but it is still quite small. Many of the attitudes that led to Colombia’s sharp class divisions originated in 16th-century Spain and became ingrained in Colombian society during the colonial period. Family lineage, inherited wealth, and racial background continue to be powerful determinants of status. Economic progress during the 20th century has only slightly reduced the concentration of political, social, and economic power in the hands of the small upper class.