Social Stratification and Inequality

• Social stratification is the way society arranges people into different groups
based on their wealth, job, and education levels.

• Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and

privileges among these groups.
Main Types
• Class: Describes the social group someone belongs to based on their income,
occupation, and education level.

• Status: Represents the level of respect and prestige a person receives in

society based on their achievements and social standing.

• Power: Indicates the ability of individuals or groups to control resources, make

decisions, and influence others within society.

Relevance for Understanding Societal Structures

• Understanding social stratification and inequality helps us analyze why some

groups have more advantages and privileges while others face challenges.

• It provides insights into how societal structures operate and how they impact
people's opportunities and life outcomes.

• It enables us to think critically about fairness and equity in society and consider
ways to promote social justice and equal opportunities for all individuals and
groups.

Gender, Race, Religion, Ethnicity, and Caste:

Understanding Social Identity and Inequality

Social Identity: Social identity refers to the way individuals define themselves in
relation to groups they belong to or are perceived to belong to. This includes
aspects such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, socioeconomic
status, and more.

1. Gender Inequality:

• Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their

gender identity, typically favouring males over females in various aspects of life.
• This inequality is evident in areas such as employment opportunities, wages,
leadership positions, and societal expectations regarding roles and
responsibilities.

2. Race, Religion, Ethnicity, and Caste:

• These aspects of social identity play significant roles in determining an

individual's social status and opportunities within society.

• Race: Refers to physical characteristics and cultural backgrounds that

categorise people into different racial groups. Racism and racial discrimination
can lead to inequalities in areas such as education, housing, and employment

• Religion: Influences social identity and interactions, impacting opportunities,

social acceptance, and access to resources based on religious beliefs and
practices.

Ethnicity: Relates to cultural heritage, customs, and traditions shared by a

particular group, influencing social inclusion, discrimination, and opportunities.

• Caste: Found in certain societies, caste systems classify individuals based on

birth into hierarchical social groups, leading to inequalities in social status, rights,
and opportunities.

3. Impact of Social Identity on Stratification:

• Understanding how gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and caste intersect with
social stratification helps us recognize and address systemic inequalities and
discrimination.

• It highlights the importance of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal

opportunities for all individuals regardless of their social identities.

• Analysing these factors also aids in developing policies and initiatives aimed at
reducing inequality and promoting social cohesion in diverse societies.

Pattern of social stratification in Pakistan

The pattern of social stratification in Pakistan is complex and influenced by
various historical, cultural, economic, and political factors.

1. Historical Context:

• The historical legacy of British colonial rule, the partition from India in 1947, and
subsequent nation-building efforts have shaped social stratification patterns in
Pakistan.
• Land ownership, colonial-era administrative structures, and economic policies
have contributed to wealth disparities and class divisions.

2.Class Structure:

•Upper Class: refers to wealthy elites, landowners, business magnates, high-ranking

officials, and influential families with significant economic and political influence.

•Middle Class: Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, educators, and skilled
workers with moderate income and education levels.

•Working Class: Includes labourers, blue-collar workers, and those in lower-paying

jobs facing economic challenges and limited social mobility.

3.Gender Dynamics:

•Women experience limited access to education, employment opportunities, and

face societal norms restricting their roles in public life.

•Ongoing efforts towards gender equality and women's empowerment continue to

address gender-based disparities.

3.Ethnic and Regional Factors:

•Diverse ethnic groups such as Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, etc., influence
social interactions, political representation, and resource allocation.

•Urban areas offer more economic opportunities and access to services

compared to rural areas, creating regional disparities.

5.Religious Diversity:

•Majority Muslim population coexists with religious minorities (Hindus, Christians,

Sikhs) impacting social dynamics and legal rights.

•Religious diversity adds complexity to social interactions and political dynamics

within the country.

6.Education and Social Mobility:

•Access to quality education plays a crucial role in social mobility, influencing job
opportunities and upward mobility.

•Ongoing efforts to improve education accessibility and quality aim to address

educational inequalities across regions.