How Do You Spell SOCIAL STRATIFICATIONS?
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l stɹˌatɪfɪkˈe͡ɪʃənz] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l stɹˌatɪfɪkˈe͡ɪʃənz] (IPA)
Social stratification refers to the systematic division of individuals into different social groups based on their social status, including factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social class. It is a characteristic of human society and is influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors.
In a society with social stratification, individuals are categorized into different levels or layers based on their access to and control over resources, opportunities, and power. These divisions result in the formation of distinct social classes, such as the upper class, middle class, and lower class.
Social stratification is characterized by the unequal distribution of resources and privileges among different groups in society. This results in the maintenance of social inequality, as individuals from higher social strata typically have greater advantages, while those from lower strata face disadvantages.
Social stratification can be manifested in various forms, such as economic inequality, educational disparities, occupational segregation, and unequal access to basic necessities like healthcare and housing. It is often reinforced and perpetuated through social institutions and systems, including the economy, education systems, and the legal system.
Understanding social stratification is crucial for analyzing social dynamics, inequalities, and patterns of mobility within a society. It helps explain the unequal distribution of opportunities, resources, and power, and provides insights into the ways in which social hierarchies are maintained, challenged, or changed over time.
The word "social" originates from the Latin word "socius", which means "companion" or "ally". It is related to the Latin word "sociare", meaning "to join" or "to unite".
The word "stratification" comes from the Latin word "stratum", which means "layer" or "level". The verb form, "stratificare", means "to form layers" or "to arrange in strata".
Therefore, the term "social stratifications" is formed by combining "social", which refers to companionship or community, with "stratifications", which implies the arrangement of people into layers or social classes based on various factors such as wealth, occupation, education, or social status.
