This article will take a look at the concepts that form the social hierarchy, including some key aspects of stratification.
The concept of stratification helps to comprehend why some people have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory helps sociologists to study inequality and how it affects particular groups within society. Authority and influence are two of the elements that comprise societal power. The word power defines one's ability to affect decisions and authority within society. It can be associated with three key areas. Political power is possessed by governments and political leaders who manage the laws that regulate society. Furthermore, financial power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over jobs and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would concur that corporations hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a form of authority over social judgement. Famous people and media characters are active in setting trends and customs which guide society. Power is mainly concentrated among wealthy and popular individuals. Without some kind of social authority, it is impossible to copyright power or influence.
Throughout history, stratification has been evidenced to affect access to education, healthcare and employment. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to be aware of what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to represent people who are born into a social ranking. Nowadays it can be recognised by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is earned through personal efforts, such as reputable professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be gained through societal contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would acknowledge the significance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the levels of respect and acknowledgment received by people in society.
The social hierarchy is a principle which describes the way in which society is divided into different categories. Each society includes various types of social stratification where individuals are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most perceivable structures of the social hierarchy. An individual's social ranking is mainly based on financial elements such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to characterise the group of more affluent people. Often gained through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold substantial financial power. Consequently, middle class refers to people with moderate wealth. Generally, middle class people hold professional careers and qualifications. They have strong appreciation for tertiary academia and employability. While lower class is the expression used to define individuals who cope with minimal earnings. Economic stratification makes use more info of social ranking to determine a group's connection to opportunities in life.