Social Stratification
Meaning of Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to the systematic and structured inequality in society where
individuals and groups are ranked in layers (strata) based on factors like wealth, power,
prestige, caste, class, gender, or race.
The word stratification comes from the Latin “stratum”, meaning layer. Just like
geological layers, society is divided into social layers that are unequal but interrelated.
In simple terms:
Social stratification is who gets what, why, and how much in a society.
Definitions by Sociologists
Melvin Tumin:
• “Social stratification refers to arrangements of any social group or society
whereby positions are hierarchically divided.”
Raymond W. Murray:
• “Social stratification is a horizontal division of society into higher and lower
social units.”
Kingsley Davis:
• “Stratification is the differential distribution of rights, privileges, duties, and
responsibilities.”
Characteristics of Social Stratification
Social stratification has certain basic features that distinguish it from simple individual
differences. These characteristics explain how and why inequality exists in society.
1. Social Stratification is Social, Not Biological
• Social stratification is created by society, not by natural or biological differences.
• Differences like age, sex, height, or intelligence are biological, but they do not
automatically create inequality.
• Society assigns value to certain roles, occupations, and groups.
For example, a doctor receives more status and income than a sweeper, not because of
biology, but because society values their work differently.
Hence, stratification is a social construction.
2. It is Universal
, • Social stratification exists in all societies, though its form may differ.
• Primitive societies had stratification based on age and gender.
• Traditional societies had caste and estate systems.
• Modern societies have class systems.
• Even societies that claim equality show some form of hierarchy.
Complete equality has never existed.
3. It is Hierarchical
• Social stratification involves a ranking system.
• People and groups are arranged in higher, middle, and lower positions.
• Those at the top enjoy more wealth, power, and prestige.
• Those at the bottom have fewer opportunities and resources.
• This hierarchy creates social distance between groups.
4. It is Persistent and Long-lasting
• Stratification is relatively permanent and continues over time.
• Social positions are often passed from one generation to another.
• Wealth, property, caste, or class advantages tend to be inherited.
• Even when individuals move up or down, the system itself continues.
Thus, inequality is stable and enduring, not temporary.
5. It is Multidimensional
Social stratification is based on multiple factors, not just one.
Key dimensions include:
• Economic – income, wealth, property
• Social – caste, status, prestige
• Political – power and authority
• Cultural – education, lifestyle, language
Max Weber emphasized that stratification includes class, status, and power, not only
wealth.
6. It Involves Unequal Distribution of Resources
Stratification leads to unequal access to resources such as:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Employment opportunities
, • Political influence
People in higher strata enjoy better life chances, while lower strata face deprivation.
7. It Creates Social Inequality and Social Distance
• Stratification divides society into “us” and “them.”
• Different groups interact unequally.
• There is limited social mixing (especially in caste systems).
• Social distance results in discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion.
• This weakens social unity and integration.
8. It is Supported by Social Institutions
Social stratification is maintained and legitimized by institutions like:
• Family – inheritance of status and property
• Religion – justifies inequality through beliefs
• Education – reproduces class differences
• State and law – protects property and power relations
These institutions help maintain the existing hierarchy.
9. It Affects Life Chances
Social stratification directly shapes an individual’s:
• Education level
• Occupation
• Income
• Health
• Social mobility
People born into higher strata have greater chances of success, while those in lower
strata face barriers.
10. It Allows Limited Social Mobility
• In open systems (class), mobility is possible but unequal.
• In closed systems (caste), mobility is highly restricted.
• Mobility depends on education, skills, and opportunities, which are themselves
unequally distributed.
• Thus, stratification both permits and limits mobility.
Forms of Social Stratification
, Social stratification exists in different forms, depending on how inequality is structured
and maintained in a society. These forms can be closed (no mobility) or open (mobility
possible).
1. Caste System
Meaning
• The caste system is a closed form of social stratification in which an individual’s
social status is ascribed by birth and remains unchangeable throughout life.
• It is most prominently associated with traditional Indian society.
Features of the Caste System
Ascribed Status
• Membership determined by birth
• No choice or achievement involved
Endogamy
• Marriage strictly within one’s own caste
Hereditary Occupation
• Occupations passed from generation to generation
Social Restrictions
• Restrictions on food, dress, interaction, and housing
Hierarchy
• Castes arranged in a ranked order (high to low)
Religious Sanction
• Justified through religious beliefs and texts
Lack of Social Mobility
• No upward or downward movement allowed
Examples
• Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras
• Dalits (historically treated as “untouchables”)
2. Class System
Meaning
Meaning of Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to the systematic and structured inequality in society where
individuals and groups are ranked in layers (strata) based on factors like wealth, power,
prestige, caste, class, gender, or race.
The word stratification comes from the Latin “stratum”, meaning layer. Just like
geological layers, society is divided into social layers that are unequal but interrelated.
In simple terms:
Social stratification is who gets what, why, and how much in a society.
Definitions by Sociologists
Melvin Tumin:
• “Social stratification refers to arrangements of any social group or society
whereby positions are hierarchically divided.”
Raymond W. Murray:
• “Social stratification is a horizontal division of society into higher and lower
social units.”
Kingsley Davis:
• “Stratification is the differential distribution of rights, privileges, duties, and
responsibilities.”
Characteristics of Social Stratification
Social stratification has certain basic features that distinguish it from simple individual
differences. These characteristics explain how and why inequality exists in society.
1. Social Stratification is Social, Not Biological
• Social stratification is created by society, not by natural or biological differences.
• Differences like age, sex, height, or intelligence are biological, but they do not
automatically create inequality.
• Society assigns value to certain roles, occupations, and groups.
For example, a doctor receives more status and income than a sweeper, not because of
biology, but because society values their work differently.
Hence, stratification is a social construction.
2. It is Universal
, • Social stratification exists in all societies, though its form may differ.
• Primitive societies had stratification based on age and gender.
• Traditional societies had caste and estate systems.
• Modern societies have class systems.
• Even societies that claim equality show some form of hierarchy.
Complete equality has never existed.
3. It is Hierarchical
• Social stratification involves a ranking system.
• People and groups are arranged in higher, middle, and lower positions.
• Those at the top enjoy more wealth, power, and prestige.
• Those at the bottom have fewer opportunities and resources.
• This hierarchy creates social distance between groups.
4. It is Persistent and Long-lasting
• Stratification is relatively permanent and continues over time.
• Social positions are often passed from one generation to another.
• Wealth, property, caste, or class advantages tend to be inherited.
• Even when individuals move up or down, the system itself continues.
Thus, inequality is stable and enduring, not temporary.
5. It is Multidimensional
Social stratification is based on multiple factors, not just one.
Key dimensions include:
• Economic – income, wealth, property
• Social – caste, status, prestige
• Political – power and authority
• Cultural – education, lifestyle, language
Max Weber emphasized that stratification includes class, status, and power, not only
wealth.
6. It Involves Unequal Distribution of Resources
Stratification leads to unequal access to resources such as:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Employment opportunities
, • Political influence
People in higher strata enjoy better life chances, while lower strata face deprivation.
7. It Creates Social Inequality and Social Distance
• Stratification divides society into “us” and “them.”
• Different groups interact unequally.
• There is limited social mixing (especially in caste systems).
• Social distance results in discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion.
• This weakens social unity and integration.
8. It is Supported by Social Institutions
Social stratification is maintained and legitimized by institutions like:
• Family – inheritance of status and property
• Religion – justifies inequality through beliefs
• Education – reproduces class differences
• State and law – protects property and power relations
These institutions help maintain the existing hierarchy.
9. It Affects Life Chances
Social stratification directly shapes an individual’s:
• Education level
• Occupation
• Income
• Health
• Social mobility
People born into higher strata have greater chances of success, while those in lower
strata face barriers.
10. It Allows Limited Social Mobility
• In open systems (class), mobility is possible but unequal.
• In closed systems (caste), mobility is highly restricted.
• Mobility depends on education, skills, and opportunities, which are themselves
unequally distributed.
• Thus, stratification both permits and limits mobility.
Forms of Social Stratification
, Social stratification exists in different forms, depending on how inequality is structured
and maintained in a society. These forms can be closed (no mobility) or open (mobility
possible).
1. Caste System
Meaning
• The caste system is a closed form of social stratification in which an individual’s
social status is ascribed by birth and remains unchangeable throughout life.
• It is most prominently associated with traditional Indian society.
Features of the Caste System
Ascribed Status
• Membership determined by birth
• No choice or achievement involved
Endogamy
• Marriage strictly within one’s own caste
Hereditary Occupation
• Occupations passed from generation to generation
Social Restrictions
• Restrictions on food, dress, interaction, and housing
Hierarchy
• Castes arranged in a ranked order (high to low)
Religious Sanction
• Justified through religious beliefs and texts
Lack of Social Mobility
• No upward or downward movement allowed
Examples
• Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras
• Dalits (historically treated as “untouchables”)
2. Class System
Meaning
