This post will take a look at the principles that form the social hierarchy, consisting of some key aspects of stratification.
The principle of stratification helps to understand why some people have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory helps sociologists to examine inequality and how it impacts distinct groups within society. Authority and influence are 2 of the elements that make up societal power. The word power defines one's capability to influence decisions and control within society. It can be connected with three key areas. Political power is maintained by administrations and politicians who regulate the policies that regulate society. In addition, economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over employment and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a type of authority over social opinion. Famous people and media figures are active in setting trends and customs which guide society. Power is primarily concentrated amongst wealthy and popular people. Without some kind of social authority, it is impossible to assert power or control.
The social hierarchy is a concept which explains the way in which society is graded into different categories. Each society contains various types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most recognised structures of the social hierarchy. A person's class is primarily based on economic aspects such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to describe the group of more wealthy people. Often acquired through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold considerable economic power. Consequently, middle class describes individuals with intermediate wealth. Normally, middle class people copyright professional occupations and credentials. They have strong values for higher academia and employability. Whereas lower class is the phrase used to categorise individuals who struggle with minimal income. Economic stratification makes use of class to recognise a group's access to opportunities in society.
Throughout history, stratification has been revealed to influence access to education, healthcare and work. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to be aware of what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key attribute of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to represent individuals who are born into a social ranking. Nowadays it can be determined by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is created through individual efforts, such as reputable occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang website would acknowledge the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and acknowledgment received by individuals in society.