STRATIFICATI

ON
MEANING OF STRATIFISSCATION
• Stratification is an institutionalized pattern of inequality in
which social categories are ranked on the basis of their
access to scarce resources. (Brinkerhoff & White, 1988)
• Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement and
establishment of social categories that evolve into a social
group together with statuses and their corresponding roles.
(Panopio el al., 1994)
• Social stratification is a system whereby people rank and
evaluate each other as superior or inferior and, on the basis of
such evaluation, unequally reward one another with wealth,
authority, power, and prestige. One result of each differentiation
is the creation of a number of levels within the society. (Hebding
& Glick, 1992)
Social stratification may be viewed as a
social structure, a social process, or a social
problem.
As a social structure, it is perceived as the
differentiation of statuses and social roles into
ranked orders or as a system of layered hierarchy of
social relationships.
Basic Principles of Social Stratification
• Social stratification is universal in nature. Some form of
stratification system is found in every human society.
• The existence of a social stratification system has many
consequences for individuals and groups.
• Social stratification is a characteristic of society. It is no
simply a function of individual differences.
• Social stratification persists through generation. It is
passed down from one generation to the next.
• Social stratification is supported by patterns of belief.
Importance of Social Stratification
• An individual will exert great effort in competing with
others to attain a status that commands power, respect,
privileges, and opportunities.
• Knowledge of social stratification may enable to adapt
to his/her social environment.
• The strand of living is improved.
• It can effect economic development in society.
• A harmonious and stable society is attained.
Types of Social Stratification System
Caste System
- It is a system of social stratification based
on ascription.

a. Brahmins

b. Kshatriya

c. Vaishya

d. Sudra
Estate System
- This system was characteristic of Europe
during the medieval times.

a. Nobility
b. Clergy

c. Peasantry

Open-class System
- In this system, an individual’s class position within
the society is determined by his/her personal effort
and ability rather than by factors relating to birth.
THEORETICAL
PERSPECTIVE
OF
STRATIFICATIO
N
Theoretical Analyses of Stratification
Structural-Function Analysis
- Recognizes that all societies maintain some form of social
stratification, and therefore, social stratification must have
important functional consequences.
• In 1945 Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore proposed a
theory of social stratification that remains influential and
controversial up to thus day.

Conflict Perspective
- This theory views inequality as neither important nor
advantageous to the welfare of most members of society.
• Karl Marx, claimed that the two major social classes arise
from two basic relationships to the means of production:
owning products property, and laboring for others.
Consequences of Social Stratification

Stratification affects life changes.

Stratification affects lifestyles.

Stratification affects prestige.