Definition of Social Stratification
Social stratification is the system of arranging people in society into a hierarchy (ranking), whereby, some in higher and others in lower strata (layers). Those in the top stratum have more prestige, power, and privilege (i.e. they get preferential treatment) than those below.
In other words, the process of social division based on different castes, ages, genders, occupations, religions, professions, cultures, classes, etc. is called social stratification.
Members of every society are stratified into lower and upper strata.
The term ‘stratification’ is taken from the geologist who refers to different layers of soil or rock as ‘stratum’ that make the earth’s surface and so is true with society as its people (or groups) are arranged in strata just like layers of soil/rocks on the earth.
All societies place their members in positions that are higher or lower, superior or inferior, to each other. So, there is a vertical arrangement of people in society based on factors such as function (work), economy (wealth), gender, caste/ethnicity, age, etc. thus forming a hierarchy.
- According to Lundberg “Social stratification is the division of the population into two or more layers, each of which is relatively homogeneous and between which there are differences in privileges, restriction, rewards, and obligations.”
- Ogburn and Nimkoff define social stratification as, ‘The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring hierarchy of status.’
- Gilbert defines social stratification as the “division of society into permanent groups or categories linked with each other by the relationship of superiority and subordination”.
Elements of Social Stratification
Wealth
As recognized by society it is measured in assessed in quality or assessed in quality for e.g. Living standards displayed and the source of wealth is also socially significant.
Ancestry
Referring to the family reputation, length of residence in the area; legitimacy or illegitimacy, racial or ethnic background, and nationality.
The function of the individual
His occupation was as an executive, teacher, scientist, unskilled laborer, and skilled craftsman.
Religion
The kind and degree of religion practiced. All societies include some belief in the supernatural force expressed in the form of religion.
Biological characteristics
Including both age and sex. Adulthood is valued more than infancy and childhood in most societies. And men are accorded higher status than women in many societies.
Characteristics of Stratification
- Stratification is social which means that it is based on group differences rather than individual differences.
- It is ancient which means that stratification has been in existence since ancient times.
- It is universal which means that it happens everywhere and is in diverse forms meaning that it takes different forms across different societies
- It is consequential which means that stratification results in inequality.
In the Nepalese context, it is perfectly clear that some groups have greater status, power, and property (wealth) than other groups thus creating differences. These differences are what lead to social stratification.
Social stratification is based on four major principles:
- Social stratification is a trait of society, not simply a reflection of individual differences.
- It persists over generations.
- It is universal (it happens everywhere) but variable (it takes different forms across different societies).
- It involves not just inequality but beliefs as well (inequality is rooted in a society’s philosophy).
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Relationship of Social Inequality and Stratification
Social stratification is manifested or noticed in various ways, such as social inequality (high caste and low caste), and economic inequality (rich and Poor). Social stratification, therefore, is a particular form of social inequality.
Its Functions
Structural functionalists argue that social stratification (i.e. social inequality) plays a vital role in the smooth operation of a society.
Davis and Moore state that social stratification has profitable outcomes for the operation of society. Davis and Moore argue that the most difficult jobs in any society are the most necessary and require the highest rewards and compensation to sufficiently motivate individuals to fill them.
Certain jobs, like mowing grass or cleaning toilets, can be performed by almost anyone, while other jobs, such as performing brain surgery, are difficult and require the most talented people to perform them.
To attract the most talented people, a society must offer those people rewards and incentives.
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Difference between Social Stratification and Social Differentiation
| Social Stratification | Social Differentiation |
| It involves the vertical (hierarchical) ranking of social strata or layers. | Social differentiation involves the formation of horizontal social divisions. |
| It refers to differential access to resources i.e. power, prestige/status and property across social groups. | E.g. the high caste and low caste level/ strata. |
| It implies social inequality. | It does not necessarily imply social inequality. |
| For e.g. the high caste and low caste level/ strata. | E.g. blacks and whites are social differentiation. |
Theoretical Approaches to Social Stratification
The important approaches to social stratification are:
- Functionalist approach
- Conflict approach
Functionalist Approach to Social Stratification
According to the functionalist approach, functional differentiation is an inevitable phenomenon. One person cannot perform all or most of the functions in society. For different functions, persons of different intent and abilities are required.
Functionalists also view that modern society requires a system of unequal rewards which means that incentives or rewards must be provided for the most talented people who occupy key/ top occupations that are essential for society to continue.
These top positions must provide high rewards such as high pay/ status to attract the ablest people. They believe that the stratification system fulfills the function of ensuring that the most important jobs are filled by the most talented and highly qualified people.
They see modern societies as meritocratic i.e. based on merits.
The salient features of the theory of stratification are;
- Every society is a well-integrated structure of elements (parts).
- Every society is a relatively persistent, stable structure of elements.
- Every element in a society has a function.
- Every functioning social structure is based on a consensus of values among individuals.
- There is an inevitability of functional differentiation.
- There is a need for differential intent and the ability for different functions.
- Differential evaluation of different social positions & duties.
- Reward based on the differential value attached to different functions.
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Conflict Approach To Social Stratification
According to Karl Marx, economic factors are responsible for the emergence of differential social class (i.e. social strata).
Therefore, social classes are defined by their relation to the means of production i.e. by their ownership or non-ownership.
Thus, in every society, there are two mutually conflicting classes, the class of capitalists (rich haves) and the class of workers (poor- the have-nots).
Since these two classes have mutually opposite interests, conflicts between the two are inevitable according to Marx. Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of:
- Resources such as power, wealth, and income
- Opportunities (related, for example, to health, education, and employment)
The theory of stratification (also known as Weber’s theory of social class, popularly known as ‘Weberian stratification’ was developed by German sociologist Max Weber.
According to him, people in society are stratified into social classes based on these three dimensions as follows;
- class (based on the economy)
- status (based on social position)
- party (based on political influence)
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Sujan Chaudhary holds a BBA degree. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world.