MEANING, NATURE

AND IMPORTANCE
OF STRATIFICATION
 STRATIFICATION
(MEANING)
• Sociologist are referring to social inequality and social ranking , thus stressing the differences among
people.
• Is an institutionalized pattern of inequality in which social categories are ranked on the basis of their
access to scarce resources (Brinkerhoff & White,1988).
• Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement and establishment of social categories that evolve
into a social group together with statuses and their corresponding roles (Penopio et al.,1994).
• Social stratification is a system whereby people rank and evaluate each other as superior or inferior
and , on the basic of such evaluation , unenquality reward in one another with wealth, authority
,power and prestige . Result of this differentiation is a creation of number of levels within the society
(Hebding & Glick, 1992)
 Basic Principles Of Social Stratification
• Social stratification is a universal nature. Some form of stratification system is found in every
human society.
• The existence of social stratification system has many consequences for individuals and
groups.
• Social stratification is a characteristics of society. It is not simply a function of individual
differences.
• Social stratification persists through generations. It is passed down from one generation to
the next
• Social stratification is supported by pattern of belief.
 Importance Of Social Stratification
• An individual will exert great effort in competing with others to attain a
status that commands power, respect, privileges, and opportunities.
• Knowledge of social stratification may enable an individual to adapt to
his/her social environment.
• The standard of living is improved.
• It can affect economic development in a society.
• A harmonious and stable society is attained.
 Types Of Social Stratification System
• Caste System
based on ascription, meaning these are closed with no social mobility at
all. The individual rank or position is fixed for life on the basis of some
ascribed or inherited characteristics. Within this system , the individual simply
born into particular level called a caste and remains in that caste for life. Thus
mobility from one caste to another is impossible.
One historical example of a caste system is that of India. The Indian system is
divided into four major castes:

• Brahmins - this groups composed of priest and scholars.

• Kshatriya – this is the class of nobles and warriors.
• Vaishya – this groups composed of merchants and farmers.
• Sudra – The unskilled laborers belong to this group.
• Estate System
- this system was characteristics of Europe during the medieval times. Like the
caste system , It was relatively closed and rigid . Nevertheless , mobility was possible through
marriage and the enactment of law.
the three major feudal groupings during the time were:
A. Nobility
– consisted to the sovereign or king, the nobles, and the military aristocracy.
B. Clergy
– it was composed of high ranking religious leaders as well as low ranking
officials of the church
C. Peasantry
– it was composed of farmers , laborers , as well as serfs.
• Open – Class System
in this system , am individual’s class position within the society is
determined by his/ her personal effort and ability rather than the factors
relating to birth. Thus there is a great opportunity for social mobility , with
people moving up and down the class scale or social ladder , and everyone
having an equal chance to attain social and economic rewards. An open class
society encourages competition among individuals , and rewards are based on
achievement rather than on ascription.
Thank You!