Scribd
Upload
60 views

Meaning, Nature, and Importance of Stratification

Social stratification refers to a society divided into hierarchical social categories where people are ranked and treated differently based on factors like wealth, income, education, occupation, etc. There are three main types of stratification systems: caste systems which are rigid and hereditary like in India, estate systems which were common in medieval Europe, and open class systems where social mobility is possible. Stratification is found universally and has important consequences by influencing individuals' opportunities and life chances while also motivating competition and economic development in a society.

Uploaded by

CJ N Pi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
60 views

Meaning, Nature, and Importance of Stratification

Social stratification refers to a society divided into hierarchical social categories where people are ranked and treated differently based on factors like wealth, income, education, occupation, etc. There are three main types of stratification systems: caste systems which are rigid and hereditary like in India, estate systems which were common in medieval Europe, and open class systems where social mobility is possible. Stratification is found universally and has important consequences by influencing individuals' opportunities and life chances while also motivating competition and economic development in a society.

Uploaded by

CJ N Pi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Meaning, Nature,

and Importance
Of Stratification
Objectives:
Define social stratification ;

Identify the basic principles of social stratification;

Identify and describe the major types of stratification system;and

Determine the importance of stratification


Overview:
There is a commonly held notion that all people are created equal;

Equality represents an ideal of many people past and present;

There are individuals who are wealthy and powerful while others are
poor and powerless;

In reality people are not equal.


Meaning of Stratification:
Sociologists referred stratification as a social inequality and social
ranking.

It is also an institutionalized pattern of inequality ( Brinkerhoff &


White, 1988).

It is the hierarchical arrangement and establishment of social


categories ( Panopio et al, 1994).
cont.:
cont.:
Lastly, it is a system whereby people rank and evaluate each other as
superior or inferior and the basis of such evaluation, unequally reward
one another with wealth, authority, power, and prestige ( Bending &
Click, 1992).
Social stratification may be
viewed as:
social structure

social process

social problem
social structure - it is perceived as the differentiation of statuses
and social roles into ranked orders.

social process - it can be thought of as a division of society into social


categories that develop into social groups, which are cooperating,
competing, and/or conflicting with one another for social change.

social problem - it involves bitter feelings of discontent and strong


demands for equality or social justice.
Basic Principles of Social
Stratification:
Social stratification is universal in nature. some form of stratification
system is found in every human society.
The existence of a social stratification system has many consequences
for individuals and groups.
Social stratification is a characteristic of society. It is not simply a
function of individual differences.
Social stratification persists through generations. It is passed down
from one generation to the next.
Social stratification is supported by patterns of belief.
Types of Social Stratification
System:
1. Caste system

2. Estate system

3. Open - class system


cont.:
1.Caste system - it is a system of social stratification based on
ascription. In other words, pure caste systems are closed, with no social
mobility at all. The individual is simply born into a particular level called
caste and remains in that caste for life.
*** Example of a caste system is India which is divided into four major
castes:
a. Brahmins- this group is composed of priests and scholars.
b.Kshatriya - this is the class of nobles and warriors.
c. Vaishya - this group is composed of merchants and farmers.
d. Sudra - the unskilled laborers belong to this group.
cont.:
2. Estate system - this system was characteristic of Europe during the
medieval times. Like the caste system, it was relatively closed and rigid.
Nevertheless, mobility was possible through marriage and the
enactment of law.
The three feudal groupings during that time were:
a. Nobility - it is consisted of the sovereign or king, the nobles, and the
military aristocracy.
b. Clergy - it was composed of high - ranking religious leaders as well as
low - ranking officials of the church.
c. Peasantry - it was composed of farmers,laborers,as well as serfs.
cont.:
3. Open - class system - an individual's class position within the society
is determined by his/her personal effort and ability rather than by
factors relating to birth. It also encourages competition among
individuals and rewards are based on achievement rather than on
ascription.
Importance of Stratification:
1. An individual will exert great effort in competing with others to attain
a status that commands power, respect,privileges, and opportunities.
2. Knowledge of social stratification may enable an individual to adapt
to his/her social environment.
3. The standard of living is improved.
4. It can effect economic development in a society.
5. A harmonious and stable society is attained.
THANK YOU ! ! !

You might also like