Laying out key social stratification principles
Taking a look at a few of the main components of the social hierarchy by breaking down stratification principles.
Throughout history, stratification has been shown to impact access to higher education, medical care and job opportunities. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to comprehend what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key attribute of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and respect held by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to refer to individuals who are born into a social ranking. Today it can be determined by backgrounds such as royalty or caste. Additionally, achieved status is created through individual efforts, such as highly regarded occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would know that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would recognise the significance of acquired status. Status can have an influence on the levels of regard and recognition received by individuals in society.
The principle of stratification helps to understand why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory helps sociologists to analyse inequality and how it impacts various groups in society. Authority and influence are 2 of the elements that make up societal power. The word power represents one's ability to influence choices and authority within society. It can be connected with three key areas. Political power is possessed by administrations and politicians who manage the laws that govern society. Furthermore, financial power is held by corporations and rich people who have control over employment and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold economic power. Similarly, social power is a type of authority over social opinion. Famous people and media figures are instrumental in setting trends and cultures which guide society. Power is primarily focused amongst rich and popular people. Without some kind of social authority, it . is difficult to copyright power or influence.
The social hierarchy is a concept which explains the way in which society is divided into different categories. Each society contains various types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based on their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is among the most recognisable structures of the social hierarchy. A person's social ranking is mainly based on economic elements such as wealth and income. Upper class is the term used to characterise the group of more affluent individuals. Commonly gotten through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these people hold significant economic power. Consequently, middle class refers to individuals with intermediate wealth. Generally, middle class people have professional careers and credentials. They have strong values for high level academia and employability. While lower class is the phrase used to recognise those who cope with lower income. Economic stratification uses class to determine a group's connection to opportunities in society.