Called “the most binding and central concern of sociology,” social stratification is a topic of intense study among sociologists. But what does this lofty term mean? At the simplest level, stratification refers to the formation of layers, or strata. From a sociological perspective, this term can also be used to refer to the divisions separating social classes and other forms of inequalities.  

Social stratification exists in nearly every society worldwide and is often based on factors like race, gender, religion, and economic status. Classical sociologists such as Karl Marx emphasized the role of social class as a driving force in societal change, while others, like Max Weber, debated the extent of class divisions in modern societies like the United States. However, historical and contemporary studies show that inequality and social stratification are persistent and global issues. 

The History and Evolution of Social Stratification 

Social stratification seeks to define individuals’ “place” in society. In doing so, it observes inequalities that are often based on arbitrary, biased, and immutable criteria. Historical examples of social stratification include:

  • Slavery 
  • Caste systems (termed one of “the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification”) 
  • Apartheid 

In modern times, particularly in the Western world, social stratification is generally seen in the form of socioeconomic inequality. A prime example is the ongoing wage gap between white men and women of all races or ethnicities. Recent studies have shown that white women make only 82 cents for every dollar that white men earn. Women of color earn even less, with Latina women earning just 54 cents for every dollar that white men earn.

Why Understanding Social Stratification Is Crucial

The study of social stratification brings the disparities of our society to light, which is the only way we can address them. Learning about social stratification and sociology in general makes one more aware of how society has been structured and the factors that figure into that structure: education, lack of economic opportunity, etc.

Sociologists have determined that sexism, racism, homophobia, and other prejudices commonly force people into a specific layer of society—one that they may find difficult to rise above. That is to say, people in certain strata of society have less upward mobility, or the ability to better their economic status.

The more people understand social stratification, the more likely they are as members of a society to dismantle many of its detrimental forms, especially the institutional forms of racism, sexism and other inequalities. A very acute example of this would be the historical and recent attacks on people of color.

Study Social Stratification Online

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program for individuals guided by a desire to help promote greater equality among all groups and individuals within diverse societies. Our program dives deep into several crucial areas, including: 

  • The ways humans interact when in groups 
  • The different cultures and populations that comprise our planet 
  • Issues that influence social behavior inside social subgroups

In addition, the program investigates ways in which social and political identities can impact how certain subcultures are thought of within their larger society.

Our online bachelor’s degree in sociology provides a comprehensive general education in a range of subjects including U.S. history, English composition, college algebra, and biology. With this foundation, you’ll develop critical and transferrable skills that will enrich you in your professional life and beyond, like communication, critical thinking, and research. Upon completion of the UTPB program, you’ll also be eligible to advance into graduate-level programs within sociology and other disciplines, if you so choose.

If you have a passion for social studies and social justice, we encourage you to apply to our online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program. Build a foundation for a more fulfilling life and career starting here!

Sources:
https://www.asanet.org/topics/inequalities-and-stratification
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/social-stratification
https://www.omicsonline.org/social-stratification-scholarly-open-access-journals.php
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.an.05.100176.001303?journalCode=anthro
https://www.thoughtco.com/visualizing-social-stratification-in-the-us-3026378
https://opinionfront.com/social-stratification-types-characteristics-examples
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/social-stratification-meaning-types-and-characteristics-sociology-2446-words/6199