Social Stratification

Definition

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical division of a society into different social classes or strata based on factors such as wealth, income, education, occupation, and social status. It creates unequal access to resources, power, and opportunities within a given social system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social stratification can lead to unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power within a society.
2. The degree of social stratification can vary across different societies, with some being more rigid and others more fluid.
3. Factors such as education, occupation, and inheritance can contribute to an individual's or group's position in the social hierarchy.
4. Social stratification can create barriers to social mobility and perpetuate intergenerational cycles of inequality.
5. The concept of social stratification is closely related to the ideas of elitism and pluralism, which shape the distribution of power and influence in a society.

Review Questions

• Explain how social stratification relates to the concept of elitism in the context of who governs.
  • Social stratification can lead to the concentration of power and influence in the hands of a small, elite group within a society. Elitists believe that this elite group, often defined by factors such as wealth, education, or social status, should govern and make decisions on behalf of the rest of the population. This can create a system where the elite class maintains its position of power and privilege, limiting the ability of others to participate in the decision-making process and access resources and opportunities.
• Describe how the concept of pluralism relates to social stratification and the distribution of power in a society.
  • Pluralism recognizes the existence of multiple, often competing, interests and power centers within a society. In contrast to elitism, pluralism suggests that power should be distributed among various groups and individuals, rather than concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Social stratification can create barriers to this pluralistic distribution of power, as certain groups may have disproportionate influence and access to resources. Addressing social stratification and promoting greater social mobility can help foster a more pluralistic system where diverse interests and perspectives are represented in the decision-making process.
• Analyze the potential trade-offs between social stratification and the ideals of a democratic society that values equality of opportunity.
  • Social stratification can create significant trade-offs for a democratic society that aspires to provide equal opportunities for all its citizens. While some degree of social stratification may be inevitable, the extent to which it is entrenched can undermine the core principles of democracy, such as political participation, social mobility, and the equitable distribution of resources. Highly stratified societies may limit access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, perpetuating cycles of inequality and undermining the democratic ideal of equal opportunity. Addressing social stratification and promoting policies that enhance social mobility and reduce disparities can help align a society's governance more closely with the ideals of democracy and the fair distribution of power and resources.

Related terms

Elitism:

The belief that a society should be governed by an elite group of individuals who are superior in abilities, intellect, or social status.

Pluralism:

The recognition and acceptance of multiple, often competing, interests and power centers within a society.

Social Mobility: The movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy, either upward or downward, in terms of their socioeconomic status or class.