Bases of social stratification
- Class
Society is divided into layers, some of which occupy a higher position than others. These layers are generally accepted as social classes. Class means a number of individuals in the same society whose status is similar. Social status refers to positions of individual or group in relation to other. Land ownership, family background, income, occupations are some of the determinants of the class. The social class involves three features:
a. Hierarchy of status (always graded order)
b. Recognition of superiority and inferiority
c. Change and mobility is present
- Caste
- Caste is a closed class. It is the most rigid, clearly graded type of social stratification. It is strictly hereditary, and determined by birth.
- The determinants of caste are; the family in to which the individual takes birth and its name, privileges, rewards and restrictions, way of performing religious rights, etc.
- Age
- Age stratification refers to the hierarchical ranking of people into age groups within a society.
- For example, both the old and the young are perceived and treated as relatively incompetent and excluded from much social life
- Ageism is a social inequality resulting from age stratification. It affects things such as workforce trends, social norms, family structures, government policies, and even health outcomes.
- Other examples resulting due to age stratification are; differing levels of political power, minimum age requirements to drinking alcohol, driving a vehicle, or joining the military, etc.
- Gender
- Gender involves power structure and economic relationships.
- It is used to analyse the role, responsibilities, constraints, needs of men and women in all areas.
- It encompasses the social division and cultural distinctions between women and men