How Do You Spell SOCIAL STRATIFICATION?
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l stɹˌatɪfɪkˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l stɹˌatɪfɪkˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society according to their social status, power, and wealth. It is a system where individuals are categorized into different layers or strata based on their socioeconomic position, occupation, education, and other factors.
At its core, social stratification is a mechanism of social differentiation and inequality. It is a product of interactions between various social institutions such as the economy, education, and politics. The stratification system in a society determines the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges, creating distinct social classes or groups.
Social stratification exists in nearly all societies, although its nature and intensity may vary. Typically, it involves the division of society into different strata, such as upper class, middle class, and lower class, each with its own access to resources and opportunities.
The concept of social stratification is closely linked to the notions of social mobility and inequality. While some societies offer more opportunities for individuals to move between different strata, others have more rigid and fixed systems that limit social mobility. This can result in the perpetuation of social inequalities and the reproduction of advantages or disadvantages across generations.
Overall, understanding social stratification is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of societies and the ways in which individuals and groups are positioned within them. It provides insights into the distribution of power, resources, and privileges, as well as the social disparities experienced by different segments of the population.
The word "social stratification" comes from the combination of two terms— "social" and "stratification".
The term "social" originated from the Latin word "socius", meaning "companion" or "ally". Over time, "social" came to refer to aspects related to human interaction, society, or community.
The term "stratification" derives from the Latin word "stratum", which means "layer" or "deposit". The concept of stratification comes from the geological study of rock layers, in which different layers are formed over time. This notion was later extended to describe the division or arrangement of layers in a variety of systems, including social systems.
The combination of "social" and "stratification" refers to the hierarchical division and arrangement of individuals or groups within a society based on various factors such as wealth, occupation, education, or social status.
