Social stratification
Social Stratification
Social stratification (/ˈsoʊʃəl ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/) is a term used in the social sciences to describe the relative social position of persons in a given social group, category, geographical region or other social unit. It derives from the Latin strātum (plural: strata), which means "layer".
Etymology
The term "stratification" in its current sociological sense dates to the 18th century. The concept of social stratification is often attributed to the work of Karl Marx, who described a society stratified by economic class. However, the term itself was likely first used by sociologists such as Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
Definition
Social stratification refers to a society’s categorization of its people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers based on factors like wealth, income, race, education, and power. It is a trait of society, not simply a reflection of individual differences.
Types of Social Stratification
There are four main types of social stratification:
- Economic Stratification: This refers to the condition within a society where social classes are separated, or stratified, along economic lines.
- Racial and Ethnic Stratification: This refers to the hierarchical arrangement and establishment of social categories that evolve into social group together with statuses and their corresponding roles.
- Gender Stratification: This refers to the inequalities between men and women regarding wealth, power, and privilege.
- Political Stratification: This refers to the unequal distribution of political power within a society.
Related Terms
- Social Mobility: The ability of an individual or family to move up or down the social and economic ladder within a society.
- Social Inequality: The existence of unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions or statuses within a group or society.
- Class System: A type of social stratification where individuals are grouped into a set of hierarchical social categories.
See Also
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