Social Stratification

 

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                                                                   Social Stratification

                                                  

                                                      Meaning of Social Stratification: )

Social Stratification means division of society into different strata or layers. It involves a hierarchy of social groups. For example - Indian Caste system, where division of social classes exit.

                                                                        Definitions: )

1- Ogburn & Nimkoff:

          The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in more or less enduring hierarchy of status is known as 'stratification'.

2- Ginsberg: 

         Social stratification is the division of society into permanent groups of categories linked with each other by relationship of superiority and subordinates.

                                                 Characteristics of Social Stratification: )

1- Universal :

          There is no society in this world which is free from stratification. It is a worldwide phenomenon which is present everywhere in the world.

2- Stratification is Social :

       Stratification is social by nature as one's education, property, power, experience, character, personality, etc, are to be found more important social qualities.

3- Ancient :

       Social Stratification system is very old. In all most all the ancient civilizations, the differences between rich and poor existed.

4- Diverse Forms :

       The forms of stratification is not uniform in all the societies. In India, a special type of stratification in form of caste is present while the ancient Greeks were divided into freeman and slaves.

5- Consequential :

       Social Stratification has two important consequences one is 'life chances' and the other one is 'life style'. A class of system not only affects the 'life chances' of the individuals but also their 'life style'.

                                                     Types (Forms) of Social Stratification: )

1- Caste :

      Caste is a hereditary endogamous social group in which a person rank and it's accompanying rights and obligations are ascribed on the basis of his birth into a particular group. For example - Brahmins, Vaishyas, Shudras and Kshatriyas.

2- Class : 

      Stratification on the basis of class is dominant in modern society. In this, an individual position depends to a very great extent upon achievement and his ability to use, to advantage the inborn characteristics and wealth that he may possess. 

3- Estate :

      Estate system of medieval Europe provides another system of Stratification which gave much emphasis to birth as well as wealth & possession. Each estate has a state.

4- Slavery : 

      Slavery has economic basis. In slavery, every slave had his master to whom he was subjected. The master's power over the slave was unlimited.

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