Term
Social Stratification
What is social stratification?
Answer
Definition
The division of society into hierarchical layers based on social status, power, and wealth.
Social stratification varies significantly between open and closed societies, primarily in terms of how much social mobility exists and whether status is ascribed or achieved.
Understanding these core definitions is essential for analyzing social hierarchies and mobility.
Definition of Power: Power is a central dimension of social stratification and involves the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, often through political authority, economic resources, or social influence.
Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy.
| Type | Direction | Status Change | Example (Up) | Example (Down) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Up/Down | Level Change | Getting a higher-paying job | Becoming unemployed |
| Horizontal | Same Level | Role Change | Switching careers | Changing roles or positions at the same social level |
| Intergen. | Across Gens | Parent/Child | Child surpasses parent's status | Child fails to meet parent's status |
| Intragen. | Within Lifetime | Personal Path | Success achieved during adulthood | Loss of standing later in life |
What is social stratification?
The division of society into hierarchical layers based on social status, power, and wealth.
What distinguishes an open society's social stratification?
Social mobility is possible, and status is based on achieved status through meritocracy.
What is achieved status?
A social position attained through personal effort, skills, and accomplishments.
Define meritocracy.
A system where social rewards are based on ability and effort.
What is social mobility?
The movement of individuals or groups within the social hierarchy.
What is ascribed status?
A social position assigned at birth, based on factors like family, ethnicity, or caste.
What characterizes a closed society?
Fixed social positions, minimal social mobility, and status assigned by birth.
Describe the caste system.
A hereditary social stratification system with rigid divisions and no mobility.
What is modern slavery?
Extreme social stratification where individuals are owned, controlled, and exploited.
How does power relate to social stratification?
It allows individuals or groups to influence or control social positions and resources.
What is vertical mobility?
Moving up or down the social ladder within the hierarchy.
What is horizontal mobility?
Changing roles or jobs at the same social status level.
Why might meritocracy fail to ensure equality?
Unequal access to education and social advantages can limit opportunities.