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Stratification

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Stratification

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yeasmin.qcsc
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Stratification

Social Inequality
The term social inequality describes a condition in which members of a society have different
amounts of wealth, prestige, or power. People have unequal access to value, resources, and
services. All societies are characterized by some degree of social inequality.
Stratification
When a system of social inequality is based on a hierarchy of groups, sociologists refer to it as
stratification: a structured ranking of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal economic
rewards and power in a society. These unequal rewards are evident not only in the distribution
of wealth and income, but also in the distressing life expectancy data in many developing
countries. Stratification involves the ways in which social inequalities are passed on from one
generation to the next, thereby producing groups of people arranged in rank order from low to
high.
The effects of social stratification can be seen in many areas of life, including health, education,
and opportunities for social mobility. Those at the top of the hierarchy typically have better
access to resources and opportunities, while those at the bottom may struggle to make ends
meet and face significant obstacles to upward mobility.
Overall, social stratification is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that plays a significant
role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities.
Systems of Stratification
There are four general systems of stratification-slavery, castes, social classes, and estate
system. These systems should be viewed as ideal types useful for purposes of analysis.
1. Slavery: In a slave system, individuals are considered property and are owned by others who
have complete control over their lives. Slaves are forced to work and are often treated brutally.
Slavery was a common system of stratification in many societies throughout history, although
it has been largely abolished in most parts of the world today.

2. Castes: A caste system is a hierarchical system of social stratification in which individuals


are born into a specific social group or caste based on their family's social standing. Members
of different castes have different privileges and opportunities, and there is often little social
mobility between castes. Castes are most commonly found in traditional societies, particularly
in India. In india there are four major castes, called Varnas.
The four main castes in India are:
*Brahmins: This caste traditionally consisted of priests and scholars, and they were considered
the highest caste in the social hierarchy.
*Kshatriyas: This caste consisted of warriors and rulers, and they were considered the second-
highest caste.
*Vaishyas: This caste consisted of merchants and traders, and they were considered the third-
highest caste.
*Shudras: This caste consisted of laborers and artisans, and they were considered the lowest
caste in the social hierarchy.
3. Social classes: A social class system is a more fluid and flexible system of stratification
based on differences in wealth, income, education, and occupation. In a class system,
individuals can move up or down the social ladder based on their own achievements or failures.
These classes can be catagorized into the upper class, the middle class, the working class, and
the lower class according to their level of income. Social class systems are most commonly
found in modern industrial societies.
4. Estate: An estate system is a system of social stratification that was common in feudal
societies. In an estate system, individuals are divided into two groups: the nobility or feudal
lords, and the commoners or serfs. The feudal lords have more power and privileges than the
commoners, who are generally peasants or serfs.
Each of these systems of stratification has its own unique characteristics and impacts on
society. While slavery and castes are largely a thing of the past, social class and estate systems
continue to have a significant impact on modern societies. Understanding these systems can
help us to better understand the social structures and inequalities that exist in our world today.
Perspectives of Stratification
Karl Marx and Max Weber, two influential sociologists, had distinct perspectives on social
stratification:
Karl Marx's View of Class Differentiation
Focus on Class Struggle: Marx's perspective centered on the idea of class struggle as the driving
force behind social stratification. He argued that society is divided into two main classes: the
bourgeoisie (capitalist class, owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working
class, those who sell their labor). The proletariat, who sold their labor, were exploited by the
bourgeoisie, leading to a fundamental class conflict.

Economic Determinism: Marx believed that economic factors, particularly the ownership of
the means of production, determined one's position in society. He saw social classes as
inherently conflicting due to the exploitation of labor by the capitalist class.
Communism as Solution: Marx envisioned that class struggle would ultimately lead to the
overthrow of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat, resulting in a classless, communist society
where the means of production are collectively owned.
Max Weber's View of Stratification:
Multidimensional Approach: Weber expanded the analysis beyond economic factors. He
acknowledged the importance of class but also introduced concepts like status and power as
crucial components of social stratification.
Class, Status, and Party: Weber's three dimensions of stratification are class (economic
position), status (prestige and social honor), and party (political power). Unlike Marx, Weber
argued that these dimensions don't always align; an individual could have high status without
significant economic power, for example.
In summary, while both Marx and Weber recognized the significance of social stratification,
Marx emphasized economic factors and class struggle, while Weber introduced a more
nuanced, multidimensional approach that included economic, social, and political aspects.
Their perspectives provide complementary insights into understanding the complexities of
social hierarchy.
Is Stratification Universal?
Yes, social stratification is a near-universal feature of human societies, though the specific
forms and degrees of stratification can vary widely. Regardless of cultural, historical, or
geographical differences, societies tend to exhibit some level of hierarchical arrangement of
individuals or groups based on factors such as wealth, power, prestige, or social status.
The nature and extent of stratification can be influenced by various factors, including economic
systems, political structures, cultural norms, and historical developments. Some societies may
have more rigid or pronounced forms of stratification, while others may be characterized by
greater social mobility or less explicit class distinctions.
In essence, while the presence of social stratification is a common phenomenon, its specific
manifestations are shaped by the unique characteristics of each society.

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