Taking a look at a few of the main features of the social hierarchy by detailing stratification principles.
Throughout history, stratification has been proven to influence access to education, health care and job opportunities. By checking out the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to understand what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and respect carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to refer to individuals who are born into a social ranking. Now it can be recognised by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is generated through personal efforts, such as respected professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be attained through social contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would identify the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and recognition received by individuals in society.
The social hierarchy is a theory which explains the way in which society is sorted into different groups. Every society contains various types of social stratification whereby individuals are ranked based upon their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most recognisable forms of the social hierarchy. An individual's class is predominantly based upon economic elements such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the term used to describe the group of more wealthy people. Often gained through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold substantial financial power. Consequently, middle class pertains to individuals with intermediate wealth. Generally, middle class individuals have professional occupations and qualifications. They have strong appreciation for further academia and employability. Whereas lower class is the term used to categorise individuals who struggle with minimal earnings. Economic stratification uses social ranking to recognise a group's access to opportunities in society.
The principle of stratification helps to make sense of why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory enables sociologists to study inequality and how it impacts distinct groups in society. Authority and influence are 2 of the aspects that comprise societal power. The word power defines one's ability to influence choices and authority within society. It can be connected with 3 key areas. Political power is held by governments and politicians who manage the policies that govern society. Additionally, more info economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over employment and industry. Larry Ellison would concur that businesses hold financial power. Similarly, social power is a type of authority over social opinion. Celebrities and media personalities are instrumental in setting trends and cultures which influence society. Power is mainly focused amongst rich and popular individuals. Without some form of social dominance, it is difficult to assert power or control.