social stratification
UNIT V – SOCIAL STRATIFICATION 5.1 Social Stratification: Introduction and Characteristics Introduction Social stratification is a fundamental concept in sociology. It refers to the systematic arrangement of individuals and groups in society into different layers or strata based on wealth, power, prestige, caste, class, or status. Every society, from primitive to modern, shows some form of stratification. Meaning of Social Stratification Social stratification means the division of society into hierarchical layers where individuals and groups are ranked as superior, inferior, or equal according to socially accepted values. Definitions Ogburn and Nimkoff : Social stratification is the process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring hierarchy of status. Gisbert : Social stratification is the division of society into permanent groups or categories linked with each other by the relationship of superiority and subordination. Williams : Social stratific...