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STRATIFICATION

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15 views

STRATIFICATION

Uploaded by

jarrenpolicarpio03
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Stratification systems

refer to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or


groups in a society based on various factors such as
wealth, power, prestige, race, ethnicity, gender,
education, and occupation. Different sociological
perspectives provide insights into how stratification
operates and its implications for social life.

Concepts of Stratification
Definition: Social stratification is the structured ranking
of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal
economic rewards and power in society.

Social Class: A major form of stratification often


determined by factors such as income, education, and
occupation. Classes may include upper class, middle
class, and lower class.

Ascribed vs. Achieved Status:


Ascribed Status: Social position one is born into (e.g.,
race, ethnicity, gender).
Achieved Status: Social position one attains through
effort and abilities (e.g., education, profession).
Social Mobility: The movement of individuals or groups
between different social strata, which can be upward
(improving status) or downward (declining status).

Characteristics of Stratification Systems


Persistence: Stratification is a long-lasting feature of
societies and is somewhat resistant to change.
Universal: While the specifics may vary, stratification
exists in all societies.

Structured Inequality: There are systematic inequalities


in access to resources and opportunities based on one’s
location within the stratification system.

Informed by Culture: Stratification systems are


influenced by cultural norms and values, which dictate
what is valued in a society.
Interconnected: Different forms of stratification (e.g.,
class, race, gender) are often interrelated, creating
complex layers of inequality.

Forms of Stratification Systems


Caste System: A rigid form of social stratification where
individuals are born into a specific social group and
remain in that group for life (e.g., the caste system in
India).
Class System: More fluid than caste systems, allowing
for mobility based on individual achievement and
socioeconomic factors (e.g., industrialized societies).

Estate System: Historically used in feudal societies, this


stratification type is based on the ownership of land and
the legal rights of the different estates (e.g., nobility,
clergy, and commoners).

Status Hierarchies: Based on social prestige and honor


which can cut across different class and economic
divisions (e.g., professions that carry social prestige
irrespective of income).

Race and Ethnic Stratification: Groups are hierarchically


ranked based on racial or ethnic differences, resulting in
unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Sociological Perspectives on Stratification


Functionalism: Sees stratification as necessary for the
functioning of society. Different roles and positions are
needed for society's stability. It argues that rewards such
as income and power are essential to motivate people to
perform important roles.

Conflict Theory: Proposed by Karl Marx, this perspective


views stratification as a source of conflict and inequality.
It argues that social stratification results from the
struggle for power and resources between different
social classes. It emphasizes the exploitation of the
working class by the ruling class.
Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on the micro-level of
social interaction and how individuals perceive and
interpret their social status. This perspective considers
how social stratification is maintained through everyday
interactions, language, and symbols.

Social Constructionism: This approach emphasizes that


social hierarchies are created and maintained through
social practices and interactions rather than being
natural or inevitable. It highlights how individuals and
groups create and challenge stratification through social
movements and activism.
Feminist Theory: Examines how stratification is
influenced by gender and how patriarchy perpetuates
inequality. It highlights the unique experiences of
women within stratified structures, stressing the need to
consider gender alongside class, race, and ethnicity.

In summary, social stratification is an intricate and


multifaceted concept within sociology that examines
systemic inequalities across various dimensions of
society. Understanding it through these different
sociological perspectives enhances our comprehension
of its complexities and impacts on individuals and groups

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