Published by: Nuru
Published date: 14 Jun 2021
Social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of social groups based on unequal levels of wealth, power, and social status. Differentiation is the law of Nature, it is in the case of human society. Human Society is not homogeneous but heterogeneous. No two individuals or societies are exactly alike.
Concepts of Social Stratification
Thus, stratification is simply a process of interaction of differentiation whereby some people come to rank higher than others.
Those are some of the definitions by some renowned sociologists:
Characteristics of Social Stratification:
1. It is Social- Biological traits that do not determine social superiority and inferiority until they are socially recognized and given importance.
For example; the Owner of an industry attains a dominant position not by his physical strength nor by his age, but having the socially defined trait
2. It is Ancient- Stratification was present even in Ancient Civilization.
3. It is Universal- It is a worldwide phenomenon, the difference between rich and poor, haves and Haves-not are found everywhere. Even in a non-literate society.
As Sorokin has said, “all permanently organized groups are stratified.”
4. Diverse in Nature- It has never been uniform in all societies. For example;
5. Similarly, caste, class, state, etc are the major forms of stratification.
6. The nature of Stratification is differing as per society.
7. It always consists of inequality
8. Social Stratification is both Horizontal and vertical
9. Marxists consider stratification as a result of exploitation but functionalists consider it a common and simple process.
Types of Social Stratification:
Social Class | Social Caste |
Social class is Universal. Found in Every Society. | Caste is not found in all societies. |
It is Achieved Status (It may be by birth or later on by his Quality) ` | It is Ascribed (membership by Birth) |
It is Determined by Property/Wealth
|
Generally, it is determined by Religion |
It is an open system | It is a closed system. |
The practice of Untouchability is not there | The practice of Untouchability. |
The social class of an individual/family can be change according to their Wealth, income, education, etc. | Due to the Ability, Quality, wealth and Education Individuals Caste is not possible to Change |