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Social Stratification Overview

Core Definition

What is Social Stratification?

Social stratification refers to the way society is organized into hierarchical layers or strata based on various criteria such as wealth, power, prestige, and social status. It is a system by which individuals and groups are ranked one above the other according to their perceived social worth or access to resources. This system creates structured inequalities where some people have more advantages and privileges than others.

The Importance

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Sociological Relevance: The concept of social stratification is important in sociology because it helps to explain how and why societies maintain social order and how inequalities persist across generations. Stratification affects individuals' opportunities, behaviors, and life chances, shaping patterns of social interaction and social mobility.

Key Characteristics

Social stratification is defined by several key features that structure inequality across societies:

1

Hierarchical ranking

Society is divided into layers, ranging from the most privileged or powerful to the least. This ranking determines the positioning of individuals or groups in the social order.
2

Structured Inequality

Social stratification creates patterns of unequal access to resources such as wealth, education, healthcare, and political power. These inequalities are institutionalized and not random.
3

Persistence Over Time

Stratification tends to be stable, passing from one generation to the next through socialization, inheritance of wealth or status, and structural barriers. However, changes in society can alter its nature.
4

Universality with Variation

All societies exhibit some form of stratification, but the basis and rigidity vary.
5

Legitimating Beliefs

Often, societies develop ideologies or cultural beliefs that justify and maintain the stratification system, convincing members it is fair or natural.

Criteria for Ranking

Different criteria determine an individual's placement within the social hierarchy:

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Economic factors

Wealth and income: The amount of resources individuals or groups control.
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Social factors

Prestige or status: The respect or social honour a person receives within the community.
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Political factors

Power: The ability to influence or control others, including access to decision-making.

Types of Stratification Systems

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Class SystemsBased largely on economic position; there is some mobility between classes.
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Caste SystemsRigid, hereditary strata with no opportunity for movement.
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Estate SystemsFeudal-type systems linking land ownership and social status.

Variation in Stratification

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Wait, is social mobility possible in all systems?
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It depends. In some societies, status is achieved based on individual abilities, while in others, it is ascribed by birth or caste.

The Role of Social Stratification

Stratification = Social Relations + Stability or Conflict
Social stratification plays a crucial role in shaping social relations and contributing to social stability or conflict, depending on how inequalities are managed or challenged.
Social Stratification Deck
Term
Social Stratification

What is social stratification?

Answer
Definition

It is the organization of society into hierarchical layers based on wealth, power, prestige, and social status.

Term
Ranking Characteristic

What key characteristic describes the ranking of individuals or groups in society?

Answer
Characteristic

Hierarchical ranking.

Term
Main Criteria

Name three main criteria used for social stratification.

Answer
Criteria

Economic factors (wealth/income), social factors (prestige/status), and political factors (power).

Term
Class System

What is a class system in social stratification?

Answer
Definition

A system based largely on economic position, allowing some social mobility.

Term
Caste vs Class

How does caste system differ from class system?

Answer
Difference

A caste system is rigid and hereditary, with no opportunity for movement.

Term
Importance in Sociology

Why is social stratification important in sociology?

Answer
Importance

It explains social order and persistence of inequalities across generations.

Term
Structured Inequality

What does “structured inequality” mean?

Answer
Meaning

It refers to institutionalized unequal access to resources like wealth, education, and power.

Term
Function

Name one function of social stratification in society.

Answer
Function

It shapes social relations and contributes to social stability or conflict.

Term
Legitimating Beliefs

What are legitimating beliefs in terms of stratification?

Answer
Definition

Cultural ideologies that justify and maintain the social hierarchy as fair or natural.

Term
Social Mobility

What is social mobility?

Answer
Definition

The ability to move between social strata or classes.

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🌐 Social Stratification Quiz

1. What is social stratification?

Social stratification refers to the ranking of individuals/groups in hierarchical layers based on social worth.

2. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for social stratification?

Physical appearance is not a primary criterion; stratification relies on economic, social, and political factors.

3. Which type of stratification system allows for social mobility?

Class systems permit some movement between strata, unlike caste systems which are rigid.

4. What does “legitimating beliefs” do in social stratification?

Legitimating beliefs are cultural ideologies that justify and maintain social inequalities.

5. Why is social stratification said to persist over time?

Stratification is stable because privileges and status are passed through generations via socialization and institutional structures.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Sociology
  • O Level
  • Social Inequality
  • CAIE