The division of a society into
layers (or strata) whose occupants have unequal access to
social opportunities
and rewards is called SOCIAL STRATIFICATION.
It is most likely that some individuals and groups would exercise more
influence, command greater respect, and have better access to goods and
services than others do. Some would
contend that since they are born into a
situation which they can do nothing
about, they accept inequality as it
is. However, some take it as a challenge
and strive harder to
improve their social status. After all, when one occupies the top strata, he is more
privileged and enjoys benefits, power, and fame which may not be available to other members of society. On the other hand, when one belongs to a
lower stratum, he doesn’t get as much privileges and benefits. Thus, the desire to improve or elevate one’s
status is not uncommon.
Stratification is based on ranking
of people according to the things they possess that are limited therefore
valued highly. They are termed as
class, status, and power. These are the
dimensions by which people are assigned a
rank in society.
A social
class is a large
group of
people who rank closely to one another in wealth, power, and prestige. Because of these elements, people separate
themselves into different lifestyles and afford them different chances in
life. With each social class comes a
difference in wealth, property, and income.
The higher the social class where a person belongs, the bigger are the
wealth, properties and income.
More summaries about the Social Stratification