Social Stratification
Looking at society critically enables one to see that it has been divided into groups based on power, wealth and status .People of the same fashion are seen to get along, and People of the same occupation are found associating with each other even students are associating with each other. From the above example it can be seen that society classifies people on the basis of social status. Social status is the position occupied by individuals or groups in relation to other individuals in society (Harris and Scott, 1997:28).
Therefore the essence of this essay is to critically analyze social stratification as well as compare and contrast the; Class, Colourbar and Caste systems of social stratification, a brief description of these systems will be given. Additionally, the essay will indicate the advantages and disadvantages of these social systems of social stratification to development. Finally, the conclusion will be drawn based on the analysis of this essay. The word Stratification is derived from the word ‘stratum’ which is a geographical word meaning a layer of rocks of which each layer lies between similar layers of different texture. Sociologists use the term to describe a hierarchical ordering of people or groups as though they were arranged in horizontal layers, one above the other. There are many definitions of Social stratification. Among comprehensive definitions is the one propounded by Shaefer (1997), who defines it as a structural ranking of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal economic rewards and power in society. It is a concept used by sociologists to describe inequalities that exist between individuals and groups within human societies. It means that people exist in layers of prestige, power and wealth. It can also be defined as a structural ranking of people that perpetuate unequal economic rewards and power in society. Social inequality is an inevitable result of social stratification, in that certain groups of people stand higher
Therefore the essence of this essay is to critically analyze social stratification as well as compare and contrast the; Class, Colourbar and Caste systems of social stratification, a brief description of these systems will be given. Additionally, the essay will indicate the advantages and disadvantages of these social systems of social stratification to development. Finally, the conclusion will be drawn based on the analysis of this essay. The word Stratification is derived from the word ‘stratum’ which is a geographical word meaning a layer of rocks of which each layer lies between similar layers of different texture. Sociologists use the term to describe a hierarchical ordering of people or groups as though they were arranged in horizontal layers, one above the other. There are many definitions of Social stratification. Among comprehensive definitions is the one propounded by Shaefer (1997), who defines it as a structural ranking of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal economic rewards and power in society. It is a concept used by sociologists to describe inequalities that exist between individuals and groups within human societies. It means that people exist in layers of prestige, power and wealth. It can also be defined as a structural ranking of people that perpetuate unequal economic rewards and power in society. Social inequality is an inevitable result of social stratification, in that certain groups of people stand higher
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