Social Stratification Overview

The hierarchical arrangement of social groups with unequal access to resources like power, property, and social status.

A social hierarchy where a person's social position is determined by birth, with limited social mobility.

A social hierarchy where social position is partly based on achievement and individual effort, allowing some social mobility.

A social hierarchy where social groups have distinct legal rights and obligations, often with limited social mobility.

A social hierarchy where one group of people are owned as property by another. Complete lack of social mobility, extreme inequality.

Social stratification exists because it's necessary for society to function effectively, with more important roles requiring greater rewards.

Social stratification arises from conflicts between different groups in society, often due to unequal access to resources and power.

Scarcity of resources and differentiation in terms of function leads to diverse social groupings

It primarily centered on birth, with wealth and possessions playing a secondary role.

It's a societal phenomenon, affecting the entire community, not just individuals.

It has existed since humanity's early evolution, with only minor changes over time.

While it exists globally, its effects and intensity vary from place to place.

It is a pervasive system, found in every known society, regardless of its stage of development.

While both exist, the modern version exhibits unique features and structures.

No, biological qualities alone do not determine social position, rather social factors like education and power matter more.

Factors like education, property, power, experience, and character contribute more than mere biological differences.

Change in social status from one generation to the next. For example, a son's social status compared to his father's.

Change in social status within a single generation. For example, a family's rise or fall in social status within their lifetime.

A rigid social hierarchy based on birth. Individuals are locked into their caste and cannot change their social status.

A more flexible social hierarchy where status is based on achievements like wealth, education, and skills. Movement between social classes is possible.

A system of social differentiation based on sex. It's a powerful force that cuts across caste and class, shaping societal roles and expectations based on gender.

Gender identities and roles are not biologically determined but are shaped by societal norms, values, and cultural expectations.

The concept 'gender' encompasses more than just biological sex. It includes socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities that define masculinity and femininity.

The concept of gender emerged from 19th century women's movements and Marxist thought. American feminists prioritized gender over sex to challenge biological determinism.

The movement of individuals or groups between different social positions in a society's hierarchy, involving changes in wealth, status, or power.

The degree to which individuals and groups can move up or down the social hierarchy, indicating the ease of social mobility.

Moving from a lower social position to a higher one, often through education, career advancement, or financial success.

Moving from a higher social position to a lower one, often due to job loss, financial struggles, or social decline.

Moving between social groups at the same level, without changing overall social status.

The speed and frequency of social mobility in a given society, indicating how quickly individuals or groups can move between social positions.

Elements like education, occupation, wealth, social networks, and government policies that impact the ease or difficulty of moving through the social hierarchy.

The impact of social mobility on a society's overall structure, including impacts on inequality, social cohesion, and economic development.

Social stratification divides society into layers with unequal access to resources, power, and prestige. Those with more privileges are considered higher, while those with fewer are considered lower.

Social stratification creates a system where individuals from higher levels try to maintain their position while those from lower levels strive to climb higher, creating social competition.

Every social position and status carries a specific level of respect or prestige. This prestige should be based on merit rather than arbitrary factors like birth.

Social stratification leads to unequal distribution of rewards, privileges, and respect among different social groups.

Stratification is a source of social inequality, but it's often seen as necessary for a functional society.

Healthy competition within the framework of stratification can drive social progress, but unhealthy competition leads to conflict and social unrest.

Some individuals may strive to gain respectability for their wealth by entering legitimate fields, becoming philanthropists, and patrons of the arts to distance themselves from their past.

The legitimate class structure attracts individuals from less reputable backgrounds who seek to gain respectability through wealth and their children's success.

Social stratification divides society into stable, hierarchical layers that persist over time. These layers involve unequal access to resources and power, creating a clear distinction between rich and poor.

Social stratification creates various statuses or classes within society. These statuses are interconnected, meaning changes in one status can affect others. For example, changes in social mobility can impact the statuses of individuals within different classes.

Social stratification systems are built upon a society's values and traditions. These values determine the basis of stratification, such as caste in India or class in Western societies.

Stratification restricts social interactions between people from different classes or levels. While interactions occur, they are limited and defined by social norms. People within a specific class tend to have shared social styles and interact less with those outside their group.

Despite its enduring nature, social stratification allows for some degree of mobility and change. Individuals can move between social classes, although it can be challenging. Social elites may change over time, with new members replacing old ones.

While society is divided into classes based on economic position (rich, middle class, poor), individuals within these classes can experience changes in their financial status through factors like entrepreneurship or job changes.

Social stratification is a persistent feature of society, but it's not completely unchanging. It can evolve over time due to social movements, economic shifts, and other factors. While divisions might persist, the boundaries between social groups can shift.