Laying out key social stratification concepts

This short article will take a look at the concepts that shape the social hierarchy, consisting of some key features of stratification.

The social hierarchy is a theory which describes the way in which society is sorted into various groups. Each society consists of different types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is among the most recognisable forms of the social hierarchy. A person's class is primarily based upon economic factors such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the term used to characterise the set of more well-off people. Commonly gained through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these individuals hold significant economic power. Subsequently, middle class relates to people with intermediate wealth. Normally, middle class individuals have professional careers and qualifications. They have strong values for further academia and employability. While lower class is the phrase used to categorise individuals who struggle with lower income. Economic stratification makes use of class to determine a group's access to opportunities in life.

Throughout history, stratification has been evidenced to impact access to education, medical care and work. By checking out the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to comprehend what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and respect carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to describe people who are born into a social position. Now it can be recognised by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is generated through personal efforts, such as highly regarded occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can be gained through social contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would identify the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and recognition received by people in society.

The idea of stratification helps to understand why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory allows sociologists to analyse inequality and how it affects distinct groups within society. Authority and influence are 2 of the aspects that comprise website social power. The term power defines one's ability to affect decisions and control within society. It can be connected with 3 key areas. Political power is maintained by governments and political leaders who control the laws that govern society. Furthermore, economic power is held by businesses and wealthy people who have control over employment and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would concur that corporations hold economic power. Similarly, social power is a type of authority over social opinion. Famous people and media personalities are involved in setting trends and cultures which influence society. Power is mainly concentrated among rich and popular individuals. Without some kind of social authority, it is impossible to assert power or control.