Outlining key social stratification principles

Below is an overview of some of the key elements of the social hierarchy with a focus on class, status and power.

The principle of stratification helps to make sense of why some people have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory enables sociologists to study inequality and how it impacts various groups in society. Authority and influence are two of the aspects that comprise societal power. The term power describes one's ability to influence choices and authority within society. It can be connected with 3 key areas. Political power is maintained by administrations and politicians who regulate the policies that govern society. In addition, economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over employment and industry. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold economic power. Similarly, social power is a form of authority over societal opinion. Celebrities and media characters are instrumental in setting trends and customs which influence society. Power is mainly focused among rich and popular people. Without some kind of social authority, it is difficult to assert power or control.

Throughout history, stratification has been discovered to impact access to higher education, health care and work. By checking out the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to be conscious of what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and regard carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to describe individuals who are born into a social position. Now it can be recognised by click here backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is obtained through personal efforts, such as reputable occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would know that status can be gained through social contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would identify the value of acquired status. Status can have an influence on the levels of respect and acknowledgment received by individuals in society.

The social hierarchy is a concept which describes the way in which society is sorted into various categories. Every society consists of various types of social stratification whereby individuals are ranked based on their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most perceivable structures of the social hierarchy. An individual's social ranking is primarily based on financial aspects such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to describe the set of more well-off people. Usually acquired through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these individuals hold considerable economic power. Consequently, middle class pertains to individuals with intermediate wealth. Normally, middle class individuals hold professional occupations and credentials. They have strong appreciation for high level education and employability. While lower class is the term used to categorise individuals who struggle with minimal income. Economic stratification makes use of social ranking to recognise a group's access to opportunities in life.