7-2-2 Social Stratification Explained
Key Concepts
- Social Stratification
- Social Classes
- Caste System
- Class Mobility
- Social Inequality
Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society, based on factors such as wealth, power, and status. It creates distinct layers or strata, with each layer having different access to resources and opportunities.
Social Classes
Social classes are the major categories or divisions within a stratified society, typically defined by economic and social status. Common social classes include the upper class, middle class, and lower class. Each class has its own set of norms, values, and lifestyles.
Caste System
The caste system is a type of social stratification where individuals are born into a specific social rank and remain in that rank for life. It is characterized by rigid boundaries and limited mobility between castes. Historically, the caste system has been prevalent in societies like ancient India.
Class Mobility
Class mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move between different social classes. It can be vertical mobility (moving up or down the social ladder) or horizontal mobility (moving within the same class). Factors such as education, occupation, and economic opportunities influence class mobility.
Social Inequality
Social inequality arises from the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different social strata. It can manifest in various forms, including economic inequality, educational inequality, and health inequality. Addressing social inequality is crucial for achieving social justice and equality.
Examples and Analogies
Think of social stratification as a multi-tiered cake, where each layer represents a different social class. The top layer, or upper class, has the most resources and privileges, while the lower layers, or lower class, have fewer resources and opportunities.
The caste system is like a cake where each layer is separated by a thick, unbreakable barrier. Individuals are born into a specific layer and cannot move to another layer, regardless of their efforts or achievements.
Class mobility is like a cake with a few movable layers. Individuals can move between layers based on their efforts, such as getting a good education or securing a high-paying job. This movement can change their social status and access to resources.
Social inequality is like a cake where some layers are much larger and richer than others. This uneven distribution creates disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and privileges, leading to social inequality.