SOCIAL AND POLITICAL

STRATIFICATION:
SOCIAL DESIRABLES
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
• differentiate social from political stratification,
• explain the meaning and characteristics of social
desirables,
• identify features of the systems of stratification, and
• examine stratification in the functionalist and
conflict perspective.
Your financially-challenged friend is a service crew at a
well-known fast food chain. The management considers
him as the best member in the area. One time, the
owner came to visit the store. Your friend was assigned to
assist, but instead of successfully aiding the owner, he
made numerous mistakes and failures throughout the site
visit.
• In your perspective, what made your friend fail at such
[

simple task?
• Is there a difference in terms of power between the
service crew and the owner?
Society is divided into several groups or classes that
are different from each other in terms of
socioeconomic capability. In the previous example,
it was clear that there was a difference in social
class between the worker and the owner, thus
making interaction varied and complicated.
This difference can be accounted by social
desirables, a sociological concept that exists in all
societies.
 SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
STRATIFICATION
The dictionary defines stratification as 'something that
has been arranged into categories.'
• SOCIAL STRATIFICATION refers to the kind and degree of
distribution of resources within a social system.
Examples: wealth, status, prestige, and privilege
• POLITICAL STRATIFICATION is best explained as the
extent to which such inequalities are enclosed in, or
influenced by, political structures and processes.
• Examples: involving influence, authority, or power
 THE MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF SOCIAL DESIRABLES
SOCIAL DESIRABLES are factors that affect social stratification. A
social hierarchy exists because of the unequal distribution of social
desirables—property, power, and prestige—in a society where the
larger population of financially-challenged individuals have less
social desirables than the smaller group of rich people.
The following describes each social desirable:
• PROPERTY: income-producing assets that people own (e.g. real
estate) that increase financial wealth
• POWER: the capacity to influence individuals or activities to achieve
wealth and prestige
• PRESTIGE: an individual’s status among his peers in society
 THE MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF SOCIAL DESIRABLES
These three factors dictate one’s place in society. Ideally, the greater
social desirable a person has denotes a higher position in society.
Because social desirables come hand in hand, more top class
people become well-known and influential in society and, as such,
are treated with greater care and professionalism.
Examples:
• Service quality in high-end restaurants significantly differ from casual
dining venues.
• In significant societal functions, good seats are usually reserved for
high-ranking individuals.
• People quickly follow trends set by powerful and influential people.
 THE ROLE OF SOCIAL DESIRABLES
IN A FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE
In a FUNCTIONALIST SOCIETY, all social elements are seen
as contributing factors in reaching social equilibrium and
balance.
• Social desirables serve as rewards for fulfilling certain
social goals.
• Inequality is seen as universal and, therefore, allows
unequal distribution of power, prestige, and property
without disrupting the social structure.
• The most important positions in society are rewarded
the most.
 THE ROLE OF SOCIAL DESIRABLES
IN A CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE
A CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE views the attainment of social
desirables as a constant competition for scarce resources.
• Inequality greatly exists in a society that drives people to
compete for resources, resulting to social change and
continuous conflict.
• People with social desirables are given more importance and
priority than ordinary workers and individuals.
• Social desirables dictate how one should be treated in a
society of inequality.
 EXPLORE!
Nowadays, people who have power, prestige, and
property are not limited to politicians or
businesspeople. They extend to local and
international celebrities who were found to be
hugely influential especially among young
populations.
• Being part of the youth yourself, how do think these
celebrities influence your peers? Do they affect you
positively or negatively?
 TRY IT!
List down ten people you know. These may be
celebrities, relatives, friends, or anyone you know.
On a sheet of paper, create three columns and
label them "Higher", "Middle", and "Lower"
respectively. Try to categorize the names you have
identified into one of the categories you have
made. Note that a person may only fall under one
category. Once you have already categorized all
names, identify the reasons why you placed them in
your chosen category.
 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Can all social desirables be passed on from one

generation to another? Why? Why not?
 TIPS
• Social class may change depending on social
desirables. For instance, if a poor person won big in the
lottery and managed to develop successful businesses
from his winnings, then he is most likely to belong to a
higher class than he did before.
• Power, prestige, and property do not necessarily need
to be at high levels at the same time. A person, for
example, may have power or influence at societal
issues but do not necessarily have properties at par with
business people, yet he remains to be at a high social
position.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
STRATIFICATION:
SOCIAL MOBILITY SYSTEMS
 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• examine stratification in the functionalist and

conflict perspectives, and
• identify characteristics of the systems of
stratification.
What is social mobility?
What role does it play in society?

Find out the answers in this lesson!

 SOCIAL MOBILITY AND ITS SYSTEMS
SOCIAL MOBILITY is the movement of individuals or
groups from one social status to another. A movement
may be vertical—going up or down the social hierarchy,
or horizontal—simply changing a social role within the
same social class. Oftentimes, social status is seen as
mainly dependent upon socioeconomic factors like
power, prestige, and wealth. However, in some cases,
status is determined by cultural or spiritual norms. These
variations only specify that social mobility may also
involve systems that may or may not be open to social
change.
 SOCIAL MOBILITY AND ITS SYSTEMS
Social mobility may also be looked into in terms of generational
factors.
An INTRAGENERATIONAL MOBILITY specifies the vertical or horizontal
movement of social status in the course of one’s lifespan. A man who
was poor as a child but became rich as an adult is an example of
this.
On the other hand, INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY refers to the
movement of social status across several generations. In this case, a
man may be able to live a high-status, lavish life because of the
hardwork of his poor grandparents as blue-collared workers and the
perseverance of his middle-class parents to finish a college degree,
eventually uplifting the financial status of their family and allowing
their children to live better lives.
 MEANING AND TYPES OF SOCIAL
MOBILITY SYSTEMS
A SOCIAL MOBILITY SYSTEM may be an open or
closed system. As expected, an open system is
less constrictive compared to a closed one.
Below are their descriptions.
 MEANING AND TYPES OF SOCIAL
MOBILITY SYSTEMS
OPEN SYSTEM
• This is composed of achieved statuses where social
status is gained through merit or effort.
• Its members have access to different resources
depending upon their social status.
• No formal restrictions on marriage across classes is
emphasized.
• Social mobility is possible.
Example: class system
 MEANING AND TYPES OF SOCIAL
MOBILITY SYSTEMS
CLOSED SYSTEM
• This is composed of ascribed statuses where societal
membership is defined upon or prior to birth.
• Its members strictly follow spiritual and cultural norms as a
way of life.
• Mobility from one group to another is not possible.
• Decision-making is also based on cultural and spiritual
norms.
• At present, it is greatly implemented in some parts of India.
Example: caste system
 SOCIAL MOBILITY SYSTEMS:
FUNCTIONALIST AND CONFLICT
PERSPECTIVES
Social stratification involves various perspectives such as the
functionalist and conflict points of view. In a FUNCTIONALIST
VIEW OF STRATIFICATION, all factors involved within the social
structure are seen as functional aspects that maintain social
balance and equilibrium.
Meanwhile, a CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE OF STRATIFICATION
implies that society is in constant conflict, especially with the
distribution of resources, due to the existence of inequality
where higher-ranking people are given priority and
importance than lower ones.
 SOCIAL MOBILITY SYSTEMS:
FUNCTIONALIST AND CONFLICT
PERSPECTIVES
 SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND THE
SOCIAL MOBILITY SYSTEM
INEQUALITY between open and closed systems must be seen
as different in terms of underlying factors. Inequalities in an
open system would involve socioeconomic concerns.

Meanwhile, inequalities in a closed system may involve

power and cultural relations. Responding to such inequalities
in a closed system would be relatively unsuccessful
compared to responding in an open system.
 EXPLORE!

It is not easy for people who are part of the

caste system to change from one status to
another. As mentioned previously, social status is
ascribed at birth in a closed system. Usually,
children inherit the status of their parents or
grandparents. If you were part of the caste
system, would you have opportunities for
personal growth?
 TRY IT!
Go online and visit a video streaming website.
Watch several videos that distinguishes between the
class and caste system. Some helpful keywords you
may use are: “Caste vs. Class System,” “Open and
Closed System,” or “Caste and Class System.” In
some videos, you will see actual activities done
within each system. Try to list as many observations
as you can. Once finished, create your own
description of each system based on what you have
listed down.
 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Can a class system shift to a caste system, and

vice versa? Why? Why not?
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
STRATIFICATION:
SOCIAL INEQUALITIES
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• explain the different forms of capital and their

contributions to social inequalities,
• discuss some relevant issues involving minority groups,
• identify characteristics of the systems of stratification,
and
• examine stratification in the functionalist and conflict
perspective.
You applied for a summer job at a small business unit.
Because of your excellent communication and logical
thinking skills, you quickly passed all interviews and got
the job. However, during the job offer, the HR manager
informed you that because of your gender and the
province you live in, your salary will be ₱3,000 less than
normal.
• Was there some form of inequality in the
abovementioned situation?
• With which social group do such inequalities occur?
Find out the answers in this lesson!
Because of the existence of a dominant culture,
practice, or norm, less-recognized sectors have
become evidently discriminated against in
different aspects of life and society. Like the
given example, unequal treatment in various
forms may occur in any setting and may be
made for even the slightest reasons.
 SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND
CULTURAL CAPITAL
CAPITAL is accumulated labor that can produce
profits or expand in form. The misconception is
that capital only consists of financial value, but
according to Bourdieu, capital can take three
forms—social, political, and cultural. These forms
of capital initiate and significantly contribute to
social inequalities.
 SOCIAL CAPITAL

• It is a network of mutual relationships within a

particular social group.

• It deals with interactions that strengthen group

solidarity.
 POLITICAL CAPITAL

• It involves passing on public political policies to

build up "goodwill" with the public.

• Public goodwill may be utilized whenever

socially controversial policies or bills need to be
approved without damaging public interest for
politicians.
 CULTURAL CAPITAL

• It is an accumulation and sharing of symbolic

elements of society (e.g. skill, language,
mannerism) within a specific social class.

• It may be embodied by a person, objectified

by tangible materials, or institutionalized by
qualifications or titles.
 MINORITY GROUPS
MINORITY GROUPS are groups composed of less-
dominant classifications in a society that experience
disproportionately lower opportunities than their
dominant counterparts. Minority groups are
characterized by distinct physical or cultural traits,
unequal social treatment, subordination in society,
and high-level of group solidarity.

Some relevant issues involving minority groups:

 GENDER INEQUALITY

• In some countries, women are paid relatively

lower than men due to their sexuality and
biological differences.

• The LGBT community has always been treated

differently and discriminatively because they
do not fall within a biologically-defined group.
 ETHNIC MINORITIES
• Because some minorities live traditionalistic lives far
away from the city and technology, and some
may appear differently than usual, they have been
consistently labelled and treated as people with
minimal knowledge and capabilities.

• Lack of resources easily available for many are not

utilized within their group, thus, they receive
negative attention from the dominant public.
 OTHER MINORITIES
• This may include people with disabilities or
people with religions that are less prevalent in
society.

• These minorities experience discrimination at

work, especially when the physically
challenged have physical limitations, while the
religious have practices and beliefs that are
greatly disagreed upon by the majority.
 MINORITY GROUPS IN FUNCTIONALIST
AND CONFLICT SOCIETIES
The existence of minority groups in functionalist and conflict
societies are also embedded in each type of society’s
principles.
In FUNCTIONALIST SOCIETIES, minorities also play social roles
that contribute to social balance and equilibrium. However,
these functions are bound by limitations and social norms.
In CONFLICT SOCIETIES, minority groups are seen as lower
class individuals that will not be able to keep up with the
consistent competition occurring within the environment. In
both societies, discrimination against minorities is possible.
 EXPLORE!
Even at their young age, school-age children experience
acculturation by a dominant society that looks down on
people who fall below prevailing standards. These are
evidenced by bullying incidences occurring among
various ages and groups. Tolerance for “simple” bullying
reasons like skin color, tone of voice, or physical
deformity trains children to think of society as hierarchical
rather than equal. This phenomenon continues to grow
abruptly even up to this day. If you ever become a
parent, how would you let your child address these
concerns?
 TRY IT!

Based on your knowledge of history, list down

significant social inequalities that occurred
across various nations in the past. You may do
further research. At the end of the exercise, try
to evaluate the current treatment of the same
nation to its people.
 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Is there a need for social inequalities to be

resolved? Why? Why not?
 TIPS
• At all times, the minority will be the one to
experience social inequalities since the standards
are set and fulfilled by the dominant group or the
majority.

• As emphasized, unequal treatment for minorities

may be seen across different forms of capital.
These inequalities may occur in society all at the
same time.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
STRATIFICATION:
GLOBAL INEQUALITIES
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• explain the relationships between states and non-state actors
in the global community;
• discuss the meaning and characteristics of global inequality;
• examine stratification in the functionalist and conflict
perspective;
• comment on implications of global inequality in developing
nations; and
• suggest ways to address global inequalities.
The Philippines is rich in natural resources and human
capital. Every province in the country is abrupt with
export-quality products and raw materials that are
recognized from all over the world. Resources are
continuously maintained, and production is abundant.
• Imagine if we were the only country in the world to
supply raw materials to every nation. What implications
can it bring to our country and other countries,
especially those less developed than us?
Find out the answers in this lessons!
By just looking at the environment, it can already
be seen that inequality exists in all forms. Some
are just at the personal or micro level, while
some, like the example above, become
national concerns. In this lesson, the macro
perspective of inequality will be discussed.
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STATE AND
NON-STATE ACTORS IN THE GLOBAL
COMMUNITY
The STATE is the institution implementing the functions of
the government.
A NON-STATE ACTOR is an individual or organization that
has powerful economic, political, and social power but is
not allied with any particular country or state.
As influential persons or groups, the non-state actor has
the capability to influence decision-making in any
national, or even international, concern. The state
recognizes the value of non-state actors in the
achievement and implementation of goals in the
national and global community.
 THE MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF GLOBAL INEQUALITY
GLOBAL INEQUALITIES involve the concentration of
resources among a select number of nations, as
influenced by non-state actors, significantly
affecting the living and economic conditions of
non-participating countries. It is usual that resources
will be centered on developed countries. Because
of this, developing and poor countries will have to
buy these resources from richer countries, making
the cost of living greater while keeping the
economic condition and opportunities the same.
 THE MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF GLOBAL INEQUALITY
This will lead to poorer quality of life and less special
opportunities for developing countries. A relevant
concept involved in global inequality is GLOBAL
STRATIFICATION, the unequal distribution of social
gaps across nations that are usually seen on the
ratio between some deaths versus some live births
per capita as well as life expectancy. This concept
describes the quality of life and socio-economic
capabilities of nations to support such lives.
Examples:

• Locally-produced goods that have imported

ingredients will still be priced higher.

• Salaries for the same job titles in two economically

different countries will be significantly different.

• The risk for social inequality between a developing

country’s classes may become greater.
 GLOBAL STRATIFICATION IN
FUNCTIONALIST AND CONFLICT
PERSPECTIVES
FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE
• Global stratification is seen as a method of maintaining
continued health and viability of all populations.
• Positive reasons are considered for the existence of global
inequalities.

CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE
• Global stratification allows for capable nations to compete
for limited resources.
• Healthier, more organized nations have greater chances of
acquiring goods or materials.
 IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL INEQUALITY
IN DEVELOPING NATIONS
The world has become “wealthier” since 2001, but
according to research, 71% of the total population
own only 3% of the global wealth. European and
Western countries handle the rest of the wealth. In
projection, less developed countries will have fewer
opportunities and capabilities in the years to come.
At 97% of the total global wealth, these rich
countries may quickly acquire resources available to
African and Asian countries. Having an inverse
relationship, the more developed these countries
get, the poorer the developing countries will be.
 ADDRESSING GLOBAL
INEQUALITIES
Because global inequalities are at the macro-level, it is also emphasized
that they are focused on the same way.
Below are some methods by which global inequalities may be
addressed:
• Ownership of properties and inclusiveness of the lower class
• Inclusive partnership across nations that focus on technological
advancements and innovations
• Revise taxation plans, ensuring lower taxes for poorer people
• Monitoring and stopping labor abuse through higher wages, fewer
work hours, bonuses, health benefits, and non-contractualization
 EXPLORE!

Global inequalities have existed and developed

over the years. It has been greatly evident in
through the deterioration of living conditions
among presently developing countries that
have once been centers of culture and history
of the world. In your perspective, what factors
contributed to these drastic changes?
 TRY IT!
Have you been to another country? If yes, then try
to compare that country with the Philippines.
Remember what you observed: the people, their
culture, qualities, and norms in society. List the
differences you found and determine the socio-
economic impact of that country to the Philippines.
If you have been to multiple countries, you may
choose to compare all of them. However, if you
have never been to another country before, you
may search the internet regarding a preferred
country and try to compare it with the Philippines.
 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Can global inequality realistically be lessened?

Why? Why not?
 TIPS
• Unlike social inequalities, global inequalities
look at the macro level and therefore focuses
on nations and societies as a whole and not on
individuals.

• Other social factors such as social desirables

and social inequalities may also play a role in
the continuity and existence of global
inequalities.