Definition and features of social stratification :-
Definition and features of social stratification :-
Social Stratification : Definition and features .
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Concept and definition of social stratification :-
Gisbert says, social stratification is the division of society into permanent groups or classes related to each other by the principle of dominance and subordination.
According to Sorokin, the process of dividing people into stages is social stratification.
Bottommore says, the hierarchical arrangement of certain classes or levels divided on the basis of status and power is called social stratification.
Melvin and Tyumen say, the higher division of society formed on the basis of inequality in power, property, social position - etc. is social stratification.
Ogburn and Nimkoff say, social stratification is a process and through this process, social individuals are arranged in order of status.
Therefore, social stratification is an eternal, universal and necessary social situation, through which the differences in human property, status and power are identified and the dynamics of human relations are determined and socialization occurs through mutual interaction.
Characteristics of social stratification:-
1. Social in nature -
Social stratification is basically social in nature. Social stratification develops in the context of the differentiation of human property, status, power, etc. compared to physical differences.
2. Eternal and universal -
Social stratification is an eternal and universal phenomenon. From the beginning of society to the present day, the position of social stratification can be observed in every society at every time.
3. Regulator of social standards -
Social stratification is the regulator of social standards and status. The person or class who is at the top of the social status ladder - they get more power and privileges. On the other hand, the person or class at the bottom of the status ladder enjoys fewer privileges or becomes a class without rights.
4. Social stratification has no biological significance. Social stratification is created in the context of people's social status.
5. Affects all individuals -
Social stratification affects all individuals living in society. Every individual in society is on some or the other status ladder. Social status is determined on the basis of the distinction of position on this status ladder.
6. Closely related to socialization -
Social stratification is closely related to socialization. Different individuals or classes at different places on the social status ladder affect society. In view of this, important changes are achieved in society and it accelerates the process of socialization.
7. Controls social interaction -
Social stratification controls social interaction. This interaction is organized only between individuals belonging to the same level, such as establishing marital relations or, special customs and methods of observing social customs. In all these cases, social stratification plays the role of a regulator.
8. As a result of social stratification, relations of cooperation, coexistence and competition are created at different levels of society. The desire of people in different social statuses to rise to a higher level leads to the processes of social change, social development, etc., which are organized on the basis of coexistence and competitive position.
9. The character of social stratification is not the same in different societies. Even though there are changes in country, time, etc., the basic character of social stratification remains unchanged.
10. Social evaluation -
Social evaluation is possible through social stratification. Individuals in society are at different places on the status ladder and play different roles in society and influence social activities. Their evaluation in society is possible based on all these actions and reactions.
11. As a result of social stratification, individuals in society get the opportunity to increase their skills. In every society, in every class, there is both cooperation and competition. This mutually contradictory social process motivates individuals to be at a higher level on the status ladder and as a result, social skills increase.
12. Social stratification can be both imposed and achieved. A person is on the status ladder through heredity. Again, someone achieves a certain level of social status based on their skills and qualifications.
13. Although the basic character remains unchanged, different forms of social stratification are observed in different countries and at different times. For example, Indian society was basically divided into four parts - Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra. Again, in Africa, the herders and farmers were divided into two parts - Bahima and Bairu.
14. Productive or conditional in nature-
Social stratification is productive or conditional in nature. Every person who is on the social status ladder gets some special privileges in the social field. People who are on the top of the status ladder get more privileges. For example, Brahmins get more social status in Indian Hindu society.
15. Social stratification is not static; it is an ongoing and dynamic process. A person who is at a certain place on the social status ladder can change his position on the status ladder through various factors such as his skills, qualifications, education, etc.
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