Social Stratification: Concepts, Systems, and Cultural Impact

Social Stratification: Definition and Systems

• Social Diversity vs. Stratification:

  • All societies are diverse (e.g., ages, genders, ethnicities, occupations).

  • Stratification occurs when this diversity is set vertically, meaning categories are ranked from low to high (e.g., like rocks in a canyon).

• Definition of Social Stratification:

  • Sociologists define social stratification as a system by which categories of people are ranked and provided differential access to resources, power, and perceived social worth.

• Stratification as a System:

  • Calling it a