Social Stratification

Social Stratification

Introduction
In every society, people are placed in different ranks such as high, middle, or low. This arrangement based on a person\’s status is called social stratification. It can be based on occupation, caste, education, income, or political power.

Meaning of Social Stratification
Social stratification means dividing society into different layers or levels based on people\’s social status.

Definition of Social Stratification
Social stratification is the separation of people in a society based on certain characteristics like wealth, power, and occupation. It creates higher and lower social groups and ranks people in a hierarchy.

Characteristics of Social Stratification

• It is a social process, not a natural one

• It has existed since ancient times

• It appears in many different forms

• It is found in every society

• It affects people’s life experiences and opportunities

• It creates rankings among individuals and groups

Classes of Social Stratification
In modern Western societies, social classes are usually divided into three groups. Each of these can have further levels:

• Upper class (upper, middle, and lower levels)

• Middle class (upper, middle, and lower levels)

• Lower class (upper, middle, and lower levels)

Dimensions or Factors of Social Stratification
Different societies use different factors to decide people’s position in the social structure.

Wealth: In most societies, social class depends on how much money or property a person has. People are often ranked as rich or poor.

Social Standing: In some cultures, people with wisdom, charisma, or strong personalities are respected more than those with just money.

Age: In some societies, older people are highly respected. In others, they may be ignored or looked down on.

Occupation: Jobs play a major role in stratification. For example, teachers are respected because of their education, but they are not highly paid.

Power: In countries like Pakistan, powerful people often gain respect. Qualities such as being outspoken, educated, wealthy, religious, and helpful to others are admired.

Caste: In some places like Pakistan and India, people are divided into castes. Some castes are considered high, while others are low.

Systems of Social Stratification
There are four major types of social stratification systems:

• Caste system

• Class system

• Estate system

• Slavery system

Caste System (Ascribed Status)

In the caste system, people are born into a certain group, and that status cannot be changed. It is a closed system where people stay in the same caste for life. They are given jobs without considering their skills or interests. There is very little opportunity to improve one\’s position. Although the caste system has been legally ended in India, it still exists socially. In Pakistan, common castes include Pathan, Baloch, Kharal, Arain, Wattoo, and Butt.

Class System (Achieved Status)

The class system is based on a person’s achievements and social factors like wealth, education, and occupation. It is an open system, meaning people can change their class through hard work or education. People are not stuck in the same class they were born into. They can also marry someone from a different class. In this system, status is earned and not fixed at birth.

Estate System

The estate system was common in Europe and Asia during the feudal period. Society was divided into three main groups:

• Nobility

• Clergy (religious leaders)

• Common people

This system was based on land ownership. The nobility had power and land, the clergy had religious authority, and the common people had the least rights. It created strong divisions and gave more privileges to the upper groups.

Slavery System

In the slavery system, some people are treated as property and are completely owned by others. They are forced to work without any rights or freedom. Slaves have no power or wealth and are completely controlled by their owners, often through violence. Slavery is the most extreme form of inequality. Examples include brick kiln workers in Pakistan, sex slaves in Thailand, and domestic slaves in the UK.

Conclusion

Social stratification is the way society is divided into different levels based on control over resources, power, and status. It can motivate people to work hard to achieve higher positions. However, it also leads to inequality and limits opportunities for those in lower ranks.