ucsp

Social Stratification Overview

  • Definition: Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on their access to resources, power, prestige, and social status (Ariola, 2012).

  • Nature: It is an institutionalized pattern of inequality where social categories are ranked based on the distribution of scarce resources (Brinkerhoff & White, 1988).

Key Concepts

1. Social Stratification vs. Social Differentiation

  • Social Differentiation: Variation among individuals in characteristics such as race, abilities, or physical traits.

  • Social Stratification: The process of ranking these individuals into hierarchical positions.

2. Types of Social Stratification

  • Open Systems: Allow movement between social classes.

    • Examples: Upper class, middle class, lower class.

  • Closed Systems: Limited or no social mobility.

    • Examples: Caste system, estate system.

  • Ethnic Systems: Based on race, nationality, or religion affecting social hierarchies.

3. Indicators of Social Stratification

  • Status: The social value assigned to individuals based on respect and resources.

  • Ascribed vs. Achieved Status:

    • Ascribed Status: Assigned at birth.

    • Achieved Status: Earned through personal effort or merit.

  • Prestige: Recognition and respect due to one’s social standing.

4. Factors Influencing Social Stratification

  • Sources of Income: Wealth accumulation through inheritance or earnings.

  • Occupation: Professional roles impacting social standing.

  • Education: Attainment level affecting community status.

  • Location: Residence impacting wealth and social status.

  • Kinship: Family background influencing perceived social value.

Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification

1. Structural Functionalism

  • Argues that stratification is necessary for fulfilling roles in society and individuals must be rewarded based on the importance of their roles (Davis & Moore, 1945).

2. Conflict Theory

  • Claims stratification benefits only a small elite, resulting from the conflict between the powerful and the oppressed, leading to systematic inequality.

3. Symbolic Interactionism

  • Focuses on how daily interactions and perceptions of social standing shape individual experiences in society.

Social Mobility

  • Definition: Movement within a social structure, which could be upward or downward.

  • Types of Social Mobility:

    1. Social Mobility: Changes in social status.

    2. Geographical Mobility: Movement to different locations affecting social status.

    3. Role Mobility: Transitions between different social roles.