Meaning, Nature, and Importance of Stratification

MEANING, NATURE, AND
IMPORTANCE OF STRATIFICATION
SOCIETY AND CULTURE
STRATIFICATION
 It is an institutionalized pattern of inequality in which social categories are

ranked on the basis of their access to scarce resources (Brinkeroff & White,
1988)
 Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement and establishment of
social categories that evolve into a social group together with statuses and
their corresponding roles (Panopio et al; 1994)
 Social stratification is a system whereby people rank and evaluate each
other as superior or inferior and, on the basis of such evaluation, unequally
reward one another with wealth, authority, power, and prestige. One result of
each differentiation is the creation of a number of levels within the society.
(Hebding & Glick, 1992)
STRATIFICATION
 As a social structure, it is perceived as the differentiation of

statuses and social roles ranked orders or as a system of layered
hierarchy of social relationships.
 As a social process, it can be thought of as a division of society
into social categories that develop into a social groups, which are
cooperating, competing and/or conflicting with one another for
social change.
As a social problem, it involves bitter feelings of discontent and
strong demands for equality or social justice.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
1. Social stratification is universal in nature. Some form of stratification system is

found in every human society.
2. The existence of social stratification system has many consequences for
individual and groups.
3. Social stratification is a characteristics of society. It is not simply a function of
individual differences.
4. Social stratification persists through generations. It is passed down from one
generation to the next.
5. Social stratification is supported by patterns of belief.
IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
1. An individual will exert great effort in competing with other to

attain a status that commands power, respect, privileges, and
opportunities.
2. Knowledge of social stratification may enable an individual to adapt
to his/her social environment.
3. The standard of living is improved.
4. It can effect economic development in a society.
5. A harmonious and stable society is attained.
TYPES OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION SYSTEM
 Caste System
 Estate System
 Open – class system
CASTE SYSTEM
It is a system of social stratification based on ascription. In other words, pure

caste system are closed, with no social mobility at all. The individual’s rank or
position 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 a
caste and remains in that caste for life. Thus, mobility from one caste to another
is impossible.
The Indian System:
 Brahmins – this group is composed of priests and scholars
 Kshatriya – this is the class of nobles and warriors
 Vaishya – this group is composed of merchants and farmers
 Sudra – the unskilled laborers belong to this group
ESTATE SYSTEM
This system was characteristic of Europe during the medieval times. Like the
caste system, it was relatively closed and rigid. Nevertheless, mobility was
possible through marriage and the enactment of law. The three major feudal
groupings during that time were:
 Nobility – Consisted of the sovereign or king, the nobles, and the military
aristocracy.
 Clergy – It was composed of high-ranking religious leaders as well as low-
ranking officials of the church.
 Peasantry – It was composed of farmers, laborers, as well as serfs.
OPEN-CLASS SYSTEM
In this system, an individual’s class position within the society is determined by

his/her effort and ability rather than by factors relating to birth. Thus, there is a
great opportunity for social mobility, with people moving up and down the class
scale or social ladder, and everyone having an equal chance to attain social and
economic rewards. An open-class society encourages competition among
individuals, and rewards are based on achievement rather than on ascription.
Most often, occupation, education, income, etc. determine one’s position.
Examples are Nora Aunor who used sell drinking water in a Bicol train station;
Efren “Bata” Reyes who served as a billiard hall attendant; and Many Pacquiao
who was a pan de sal vendor once upon a time.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
1. Describe the nature of stratification. What does it imply?
2. Compare and contrast the caste system and the open system.
3. Why is there stratification in all societies? Justify your answer.

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MEANING, NATURE, AND

 It is an institutionalized pattern of inequality in which social categories are

 As a social structure, it is perceived as the differentiation of

1. Social stratification is universal in nature. Some form of stratification system is

1. An individual will exert great effort in competing with other to

It is a system of social stratification based on ascription. In other words, pure

In this system, an individual’s class position within the society is determined by

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