Social

Stratification
Michael Frances P. Rocha, LPT
Discussant
Why does
social
stratification
exist?
 Why does social stratification exist?

Social stratification is a trait of society, not

simply a reflection of individual differences.

Social stratification persists over generations.

 Why does social stratification exist?

Social stratification is universal (it happens everywhere) but

variable (it takes different forms across different societies).

Social stratification involves not just inequality, but beliefs as

well (inequality is rooted in a society's philosophy).
Class and Caste Systems
Class and Caste Systems are the general forms of
stratification.
CLASS SYSTEM
 Major
Premises of
Social
Stratification

· Wealth refers to material

possessions defined as
valuable in particular
societies. It may include land,
livestock, buildings, money,
and many other forms of
property owned by individuals
or social groups.
 Major Premises of
Social Stratification

· Power refers to the degree to which

individuals or groups can impose their will on
others, with or without the consent of others.
 Major
Premises of
Social
Stratification
· Prestige relates to
the amount of esteem
or honor associated
with social positions,
qualities of individuals,
and styles of life.
Social Inequality
 Social Inequality
It refers to the existence of unequal
opportunities and rewards for different social
positions or statuses within a group or
society. These are differences in income,
resources, power, and status within and
between societies.
Two main ways to measure
social inequality:
INEQUALITY OF CONDITIONS
INEQUALITY OFOPPORTUNITIES:
Inequality of conditions
refers to the unequal
distribution of income, wealth,
and material goods.
 Inequality of opportunities

refers to the unequal

distribution of life chances
across individuals. This is
reflected in measures such as
level of education, health status,
and treatment by the criminal
justice system.