6-3 Social Stratification Explained

Key Concepts

• Social Stratification
• Social Classes
• Caste System
• Class Mobility
• Wealth Distribution

Social Stratification

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. It creates social classes and influences access to resources and opportunities.

Example: Consider a society with distinct social classes: upper, middle, and lower. Each class has different levels of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, shaping their life chances and social mobility.

Social Classes

Social classes are categories of people who share similar economic status, lifestyle, and social position. Commonly recognized social classes include the upper class, middle class, and lower class. Each class has distinct characteristics and influences social behavior and opportunities.

Example: In a society, the upper class might consist of wealthy individuals with high social status, the middle class might include professionals and small business owners, and the lower class might comprise those with limited economic resources.

Caste System

The caste system is a type of social stratification where individuals are born into specific social groups, or castes, and remain in those groups throughout their lives. This system is characterized by rigid social boundaries and limited social mobility.

Example: In some societies, individuals are born into a caste based on their family's social status. For instance, a person born into a high-caste family might have access to better education and opportunities, while someone born into a low-caste family might face significant social and economic barriers.

Class Mobility

Class mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups between social classes. It can be upward, where individuals move to a higher social class, or downward, where they move to a lower social class. Class mobility is influenced by factors such as education, occupation, and economic opportunities.

Example: A person who starts as a low-wage worker and through education and hard work becomes a successful entrepreneur exemplifies upward class mobility. Conversely, someone who loses their job and falls into poverty experiences downward class mobility.

Wealth Distribution

Wealth distribution refers to the way wealth is spread among individuals or groups in a society. Unequal wealth distribution can lead to significant social stratification, where a small percentage of the population holds the majority of the wealth.

Example: In a society where a few individuals control most of the wealth, such as through ownership of large corporations or real estate, the majority of the population may struggle with limited economic resources, leading to significant social stratification.