Yeah, speaking to an authority figure is often problematic. I think the key thing in what you just wrote is when people "value themselves". Having a job with higher status might lead you to value yourself higher, with the benefits you mention, but it doesn't have to be a job. Seeing everyone as equal is a sign of maturity. If you can value the cleaner as much as the CEO, and value them both as much as yourself, then you have a sense of equality. Of course the cleaner can't fire you but that's another issue.