How is our society stratified and what is the implication

of strata to architecture Engineering?

Social stratification is the classification of individuals within a society according
to wealth, income, education, family history, and power. The socioeconomic
status of a person refers to their position within a system of social stratification.
It is a rigid, hierarchical structure in society that grants distinct groups varying
degrees of access to resources, authority, and social standing.

Class systems, caste systems, slavery, and meritocracy are the four basic kinds
of social stratification systems that sociologists have developed.Numerous
factors can affect social stratification, including race, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, ethnicity, and others. Caste and class are viewed as the two most
significant dimensions of social stratification in Nepal. They were, and still are,
considered as closely interrelated, almost inseparable, basic progress of social
life. Here are some key ways in which our society is stratified:

Class Stratification: Individuals are grouped into classes such as the upper
class, middle class, and lower class, based on factors like income, wealth, and
occupation.
Gender Stratification: Society is often stratified based on gender, with women
and men occupying different social positions and experiencing different levels
of power and privilege.

Ethnic and Racial Stratification: Stratification based on race and ethnicity is a

pervasive feature of many societies. Discrimination and prejudice can
contribute to disparities in areas such as education, employment, housing,
criminal justice, and healthcare.

Education Stratification: Higher levels of education often correlate with

greater access to economic opportunities and higher social status.

Occupational Stratification: The type of occupation one holds is another factor

in social stratification. Some jobs are highly valued and offer greater prestige,
income, and power, while others are less valued and provide fewer benefits.

Age Stratification: Age can be a basis for social stratification, as different age
groups may have varying access to resources and opportunities.

Spatial Stratification: Geographic location can also contribute to social

stratification. Different neighborhoods or regions within a society may have
varying levels of infrastructure, services, and opportunities.

Image- Categorizing individuals or groups hierarchically on the basis of different factors.

Definitions:

“The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring
hierarchy of status is known as stratification.” –Ogburnand Nimkoff

“social stratification is the division of society in to permanent groups of categories

linked with each other by the relationship of superiority and subordination.”- Gisbert

“ Social stratification is a horizontal division of society in to ‘high’ and ‘lower’ social

units.” –Raymond W.Murry

Sociologists have provided various perspectives and theories to understand and

explain social stratification in society. Below is an explanation of how our society is
socially stratified based on different sociologists theory.

 According to Karl Marx, the struggle between the capitalist bourgeoisie—the

owners of the means of production—and the working-class proletariat—those
 who sell their labor—is what largely determines social stratification. He felt that
because the bourgeoisie get surplus value from the proletariat's work, the
capitalism system inevitably results in exploitation. This leads to class conflict as
the working class tries to confront and depose the bourgeoisie in order to create
a more just society.

For example, in industrialized nations, the proletariat is represented by factory

employees and other workers, whereas the corporate leaders and owners are the
bourgeoisie.

 Max Weber added to Marx's theories by proposing social stratification that went
beyond merely economic class. He distinguished between three different causes
of inequality: position, power, and class. Distribution of economic resources is
referred to as class, whereas social dignity and status are connected with
positions of authority, and the capacity to influence and control others is
referred to as power. The social standing of an individual is influenced by the
intersection of these aspects.

A rich CEO, for instance, can be considered to be of high economic class and
prestige because of their esteemed position and influence within their company.

 Durkheim saw social stratification from a functionalist angle, highlighting its

significance in preserving social harmony. He claimed that social disparity gives
people the incentive to work hard and advance in society. It also ensures that
crucial tasks are carried out by dividing up people into distinct jobs and positions
within society.

For instance, due to their specific training and knowledge, physicians may hold
greater positions in a community, which helps the healthcare systems run.

 Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital emphasizes the role that cultural
resources play in social stratification.He argued that individuals from privileged
backgrounds possess cultural capital, including education, language, and
knowledge, which gives them an advantage in social and economic interactions.

A person from a rich family who has access to prominent educational institutions,
for instance, may have more cultural capital and, as a result, more prospects for
upward social mobility, as opposed to a person from a low-income household who
has access to fewer educational resources.

 Talcott Parsons through his structural-functional theory, Parsons made a

significant contribution to our understanding of social stratification. He believed
that social stratification results from a meritocratic society in which people are
rewarded according to their skills, credentials, and abilities. Parsons also
underlined the significance of social institutions and responsibilities in upholding
social order.
For instance, a student who performs well in school, demonstrates intellectual
ability, and actively engages in extracurricular activities may receive recognition
and be encouraged to pursue higher education. As a result, they are more likely to
access higher-status occupations and positions that offer greater rewards and
privileges.It suggests that social stratification is not solely based on factors like
wealth or status inheritance but is also influenced by individual abilities and
qualifications within a meritocratic system.

 Herbert Gans focused on the concept of the underclass and the persistence of
poverty in society. He explored how poverty and social exclusion can lead to the
creation of a marginalized and stigmatized group that faces severe
disadvantages and barriers to social mobility.

In many societies, there are areas characterized by high levels of poverty,

unemployment, and social disorganization. These areas often exhibit a range of
social problems, including crime, limited access to quality education and
healthcare, and a lack of economic opportunities.

 Patricia Hill Collins: Collins introduced the concept of intersectionality to

understand how different forms of social stratification, such as race, class, and
gender, intersect and interact to shape individuals' experiences of inequality.
She emphasized the importance of considering multiple axes of oppression and
privilege when examining social stratification.

An example that illustrates Collins' perspective on intersectionality is the

experiences of Black women. Intersectionality suggests that Black women face a
unique set of challenges and disadvantages that cannot be fully understood by
examining race or gender separately. The intersection of race and gender creates a
distinct form of oppression that is different from the experiences of Black men or
White women.

According to sociology, the application of stratification to architecture refers to how

social disparities and hierarchies are mirrored in the planning, construction, and
usage of physical environments. From a sociological standpoint, the following are
possible explanations of the effects of stratification in architecture:

Symbolic Representation: By including aspects that denote prestige, power, and

privilege, architecture may serve as a visual representation of social stratification.
Grand palaces, mansions, or government buildings, for example, may symbolize the
wealth and power of individuals who live in or use them thanks to their intimidating
exteriors, elaborate interiors, and open layouts.
Segregation and Exclusion: Stratification can lead to spatial segregation and
exclusion in architecture. Certain spaces or areas may be designed or designated for
specific social groups while excluding others. This can be observed in gated
communities or exclusive clubs that restrict access to only a privileged few, creating
physical barriers and reinforcing social divisions.

Spatial Differentiation: Stratification can manifest in the spatial differentiation of

buildings and neighborhoods. In cities, affluent areas often have larger, well-
designed homes with ample amenities, while lower-income neighborhoods may
feature smaller, less-maintained structures with limited resources. These spatial
differences reflect disparities in wealth, resources, and opportunities, reinforcing
social stratification.

Social Control and Surveillance: Especially in institutional contexts, architecture may

be utilized to exercise social control and surveillance. To monitor and regulate
people's movement and conduct inside these areas, prisons, schools, and other
institutions may integrate architectural elements like high walls, security systems, or
limited entry points.

Access to Resources: Social stratification influences access to resources, and

architecture can both reflect and perpetuate these inequalities. For instance, in
economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, the availability of essential services
such as quality healthcare, education, or recreational facilities may be limited.
Conversely, affluent areas often have better access to these resources, including
well-equipped hospitals, prestigious schools, and recreational amenities.

Urban planning and zoning: Decisions are influenced by stratification, which results
in the formation of discrete neighborhoods or zones that cater to various
socioeconomic classes. As a result, certain socioeconomic strata may concentrate in
particular neighborhoods, creating spatially segregated communities with unequal
access to opportunities and resources.

These sociological effects of architectural stratification show how social inequality

and hierarchy influence the outside world. Architects, urban planners, and legislators
may endeavor to create more inclusive and equitable built environments that
support social cohesion and improve the well being of everyone, regardless of
socioeconomic position, by understanding and addressing these consequences.