Class stratification

Definition

Class stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social classes within a society, often based on factors like wealth, occupation, education, and power. This concept reveals how individuals and groups experience different levels of opportunity and privilege, influencing their social mobility and interactions. In literature, it plays a critical role in exploring themes of inequality and the societal structures that uphold these divisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's works reflect the complexities of class stratification during the medieval period, showcasing various social classes through his characters.
2. The pilgrims in 'The Canterbury Tales' represent a cross-section of society, highlighting the contrasts between the nobility, clergy, and commoners.
3. Chaucer uses humor and satire to critique the rigid class structures and the corruption found within different social ranks.
4. The interactions among characters from different classes reveal how class stratification affects personal relationships and societal perceptions.
5. Class stratification in Chaucer's time was not only defined by wealth but also by occupation, education, and moral standing, influencing characters' roles and narratives.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer illustrate class stratification through his characters in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
  • Chaucer vividly portrays class stratification by creating a diverse group of pilgrims, each representing different social standings. Characters such as the Knight embody noble virtues, while others like the Pardoner highlight the corruption often associated with wealth. Through their interactions and stories, Chaucer exposes the complexities of social hierarchy and critiques the stereotypes and expectations tied to each class.
• Discuss how Chaucer critiques the concept of class stratification in his depiction of clergy versus laypeople.
  • Chaucer critiques class stratification by contrasting the behavior and morals of clergy members with those of laypeople. Characters like the Friar and the Summoner are portrayed as hypocritical and corrupt, despite their religious positions. This portrayal reveals Chaucer's commentary on the failure of certain members of the clergy to live up to their moral obligations, thus challenging the perception that higher social status equates to higher moral integrity.
• Evaluate the implications of class stratification on social mobility as depicted in Chaucer's work, considering how this affects character development.
  • In Chaucer's work, class stratification significantly impacts social mobility, as seen in characters like the Wife of Bath, who defies societal norms to assert her independence and gain agency. While some characters are trapped by their social class, others leverage their wit and charm to navigate through societal barriers. This dynamic illustrates how class stratification can limit opportunities for some while enabling others to challenge their assigned roles, ultimately reflecting broader themes of inequality and human aspiration in society.

Related terms

Social Mobility: The ability for individuals or groups to move within the social hierarchy, which can be upward or downward based on changes in economic status or education.

Feudalism:

A social system that existed in medieval Europe, characterized by the exchange of land for service, creating a rigid class structure between nobles, vassals, and serfs.

Meritocracy: A political system or societal framework in which individuals are rewarded and advance based on their abilities and talents rather than their social class or family connections.