Social StratificationWhat is social stratification?

Sociologists use the term social stratification to refer a system by which categories of people in a society are ranked in a hierarchy. Stratification always involves social inequality and social ranking and thus stresses the differences among people. In theory, any number of differences among people, such as personality characteristics, intelligence, height, hair color, skin color, or others maybe used as a basis for ranking. Though people are created equal, they are not treated equally.

Four Key Principles That Help Explain Social Stratification

Social stratification is a characteristic of society, not simply a function of individual differences. Although variable in form, social stratification is universal. Social stratification persists over generations. Social stratification is supported by patterns of belief.

Types of Stratification Systems

Sociologists distinguish among two major ideal types of stratification systems:

Caste system Open Class System

What Does This Means?

The caste system represents a closed system of stratification in the sense that an individual’s rank or position within the society is fixed for life on the basis of some ascribed or inherited characteristics.

Within this system, the individual is simply born into a particular level, called caste, and remains in that caste for life. The second major ideal type of stratification system is called the open class system.

In this system, an individual’s class position within the society is determined by his or her personal effort and ability rather than by factors relating to birth.

There is a great deal of social mobility, with people moving up and down the class scale and everyone having an equal chance to attain social and economic rewards.

An open class society encourages competition among individuals and rewards are based upon achievements rather than ascriptions.

Theories of stratification

A. Structural Functionalist theory.

The Davis Moore thesis which has become the definitive functionalist explanation for social inequality can be summarized as follows: All societies have important tasks that must be accomplished and certain position that must be filled. Some positions are more important for the survival of society than others. The most important positions must be filled by the most qualified people.

The positions that are the most important for the society can be carried out by people with scarce talents who have received long and expensive education and training. Such functionally important positions also subject individuals to considerable pressure and day to day responsibility, thus they must be the most highly rewarded.

B. Conflict explanation of social stratification.

Conflict theory is based on the assumption that social stratification is created and maintained by one group in order to protect and enhance its own economic interest. According to Karl Marx, classes arise out of the productive system of a society. The relationships between the ruling classes and the ruled classes would be marked by struggle and conflict over the unequal distribution of wealth and power within the society.

Stratification exist only because the rich and powerful are determined to hang on to more than their share of scarce resources. Inequality results from the more powerful exploiting the less powerful. Class conflict is the struggle between social classes for more equitable distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. Demonstration, strikes, riots, revolts and other forms of violence are indicators of class conflict.

Social Mobility• Is the movement within the stratification system of the society.

Types of Social Mobility

Horizontal Mobility- An individual moves from one position to another of equal income, status and power.

Vertical Mobility- Movement up or down in the stratification hierarchy