6. The Social Stratification
Social stratification represents the structured inequality across different social groups based on various criteria such as wealth, power, and occupation. It manifests through different systems, notably caste, class, slavery, and estate, influencing access to resources and status within society. Theories such as Functionalism and Conflict Theory offer varying perspectives on the necessity and impacts of stratification, with modern societies witnessing a shift from caste-based to class-based hierarchies yet continuing to grapple with issues of inequality and discrimination.
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What we have learnt
- Social stratification is a structured form of inequality present in all societies.
- Different forms of stratification include caste, class, slavery, and estate systems.
- Theories about social stratification provide insight into its function and effects, ranging from roles in societal efficiency to root causes of oppression.
Key Concepts
- -- Stratification
- The division of society into hierarchical layers.
- -- Caste
- A hereditary social group fixed by birth.
- -- Class
- An economic and social group with mobility in society.
- -- Slavery
- A condition of owning or being owned as property.
- -- Estate
- Feudal stratification based on land ownership and loyalty.
- -- Social Mobility
- Movement of individuals or groups within the social hierarchy.
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