Social-and-political-Stratification (1)

Social Stratification

  • Definition: Division or classification of members of society into different strata.

  • Characteristics: Promotes hierarchy among social groups, each with a shared identity and lifestyle based on status ascribed to its members.

  • Division into Three Classes:

    • Upper Class: Elite individuals/groups successful in various industries; may include stockholders and investors of large companies.

    • Middle Class: Professionals (lawyers, doctors, managers); enjoy financial stability and live comfortably; prioritize education as a status measure.

    • Lower Class: Skilled and unskilled workers, farm employees, and underemployed; face significant challenges due to low income and often lack education and job prospects.

  • Historical Context: Early human societies lacked social class. Social stratification evolved with complexities in society, leading to hierarchies where certain members gained status through land ownership and other means.

Characteristics of Stratification Systems

  1. Universal but Variable

    • Present in all societies, but the form and intensity differ.

    • Influences social inequality and mobility.

    • Access to resources and opportunities is uneven.

  2. Not a Matter of Individual Differences

    • Stratification systems affect life chances irrespective of individual traits.

    • For example, wealthier children tend to have better health and educational outcomes.

  3. Persists Across Generations

    • Social stratification influences life chances over generations, though some social mobility is possible.

  4. Social Beliefs

    • A society’s beliefs help maintain the stratification system, affecting perceptions of wealth and power.

Forms of Stratification Systems

  1. Closed System: Caste System (India)

    • Traditional divisions: Brahmin (priests), Kshatriya (warriors), Vaishya (merchants), Shudra (commoners).

    • Modern implications: Influences social interactions, occupational restrictions, and discrimination against lower castes (Dalits).

  2. Open System: Class System

    • Combines ascribed and achieved status, allowing for some social mobility.

    • Class distinctions in the Philippines emphasize meritocracy, where effort can lead to upward mobility.

Sociological Perspectives on Stratification

1. Functionalism

  • Views stratification as necessary for stability and motivation in society.

  • Critics argue it overlooks inherent inequalities.

  • Proposed roles for each class contribute to societal operations.

2. Conflict Theory

  • Highlighted by Karl Marx, sees stratification as inequality between classes.

  • Bourgeoisie vs. Proletariat: Owners vs. workers with socioeconomic isolation.

3. Symbolic Interactionism

  • Focus on micro-level interactions influenced by social class.

  • Personal relationships often formed within the same social strata.

  • Weber's approach: stratification involves class, status, and power.

Social Desirables

  • Elements viewed as desirable: wealth, power, and prestige.

  • Wealth: Accumulated economic capital influences societal decisions.

  • Power: Ability to influence others, often linked to wealth.

  • Prestige: Honor associated with occupations, based on skills and societal contributions.

Social Mobility System

  • Vertical Mobility: Moving up or down the social ladder.

  • Horizontal Mobility: Changes within the same social category without a status change.

  • Types of Mobility:

    • Intergenerational: Changes across generations.

    • Intragenerational: Changes within the same generation.

Capital Forms Affecting Stratification

  1. Economic Capital: Material assets and property rights.

  2. Social/Symbolic Capital: Access to social networks and organizational control, influencing class.

  3. Cultural Capital: Non-economic assets, such as education and cultural knowledge, impacting social standing.

Inequality and Social Exclusion

  • Social inequities manifest in various forms, affecting healthcare, education, and opportunities.

  • Ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities face barriers rooted in stratification.

  • Disparities based on gender persist, highlighting systemic issues in resource allocation.

Conclusion on Human Dignity and Common Good

  • Stratification can undermine human rights and dignity due to unequal access to resources.

  • Efforts for inclusive growth highlight the need for equitable opportunity across diverse societal segments.