What is social stratification? Social stratification is a method to classify the society under several groups or levels.
There are many types of social stratification. The common one includes caste social stratification, class social stratification and stratification based on estate or slavery.
Characteristics of Social Stratification
1. Social-economic classification/ categorization: Most of the social stratification types are based on the social-economic classification. This means the categorization of the society is done through two important considerations. The social status and the economic status are considered mainly under the social-economic stratification.
2. Universal: Another common characteristic of social stratification is that it is universal. This simply means that such social division concepts are found in almost all societies and cultures. From developing countries to developed countries, the concept of social stratification is followed in various forms everywhere.
3. Hierarchical: Being hierarchical in nature, social stratification is reproduced from generation to generation. This means if a person belongs to a certain class, his/her generations will continue belonging to the same class.
4. Inequality in income, wealth distribution and social status: Social stratification is differential in nature. Some forms of social stratification refers to the inequality of income. This means if a person has a high capital income he/she falls in the upper class. Those with lower-income fall in the lower class and so on!
5. Unequal control over natural resources such as land: Social stratification results in the unequal control of natural resources. For example, the high-class or the rich class people can own more land or other resources. On the other hand, the poor or the low-class people own fewer resources.
6. Is in diverse forms: Social stratification is diverse in nature. This means the concept remains same with only differences in the name. Caste social stratification, slavery stratification, high-class, middle class, etc., are few such examples.
Also read: What is Social Stratification? - Meaning and Types.
Sehba.