Detailing key social stratification concepts

Detailing key social stratification concepts

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Below is an overview of some of the key elements of the social hierarchy with a concentration on class, status and power.

The idea of stratification helps to make sense of why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory helps sociologists to analyse inequality and how it impacts particular groups within society. Authority and impact are 2 of the factors that form social power. The word power represents one's ability to affect choices and control within society. It can be related to three key areas. Political power is possessed by governments and politicians who control the policies that regulate society. Additionally, financial power is held by corporations and rich people who have control over employment and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that businesses hold financial power. Similarly, social power is a type of authority over societal opinion. Famous people and media characters are active in setting trends and cultures which influence society. Power is generally focused among rich and popular individuals. Without some form read more of social dominance, it is difficult to assert power or control.

The social hierarchy is a philosophy which explains the way in which society is graded into various categories. Every society consists of various types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based on their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is one of the most recognised structures of the social hierarchy. An individual's social ranking is primarily based upon financial elements such as wealth and income. Upper class is the term used to describe the group of more well-off individuals. Often acquired through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these individuals hold significant financial power. Subsequently, middle class describes people with intermediate wealth. Usually, middle class people have professional occupations and credentials. They have strong appreciation for higher academia and employability. While lower class is the term used to define those who cope with minimal earnings. Economic stratification uses class to determine a group's connection to opportunities in life.

Throughout history, stratification has been proven to affect access to education, medical care and employment. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to comprehend what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and respect carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to refer to people who are born into a social ranking. Now it can be determined by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is obtained through individual efforts, such as highly regarded occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can be acquired through social contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would identify the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and recognition received by people in society.

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