MEANING NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF STRATIFICATION

STRATIFICATION

 Institutionalized pattern of inequality in which social categories are rank on the basis of their access
to scarce resources.(brinkerhoff and white)
 Heirarchical arrangements and establishment of social categories that evolves into a social group
together with statuses and their corresponding roles.(panopio)
 A system whereby people rank and evaluate each other as superior or inferior and on the basis of
such evaluation ,unequally reward one another with wealth, authority, power and prestige.(Hebding
and Glick)

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

1. Social stratification is Universal in nature.

2. The existence of a social stratification system has many consequences for individuals and group.
3. Social stratification is a characteristic of society .
4. Social stratification persists through generation .
5. Social stratification is supported by patterns of beliefs.

IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

1. An individual will exert great effort in competing with others to attain a status that commands power,
respect, privilege and opportunities.
2. Knowledge of social stratification may allow individual to adopt to his/her social environment.
3. The standard of living is improved.
4. It can affect economic development in a society.
5. A harmonious and stable society is attained.

TYPES OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION SYSTEM

1.CASTE SYSTEM

A system based on ascription. Pure caste system are close with no social mobility at all. Mobility from one
caste to another is impossible.

One historical of caste system is that of India.it is divided into four:

a. Brahmins -priest and scholars.

b. Kshatriya -class of nobles and warriors .
 c. Vaishya -merchants and farmers.
d. Sudra -unskilled laborers.

2.ESTATE SYSTEM

Characteristic of Europe during medieval times. It was relatively close and rigid. Nevertheless mobility was
possible through marriage and enactment of the law. Three major feudal grouping during that time were:

a. Nobility- sovereign or king, the nobles, military aristocracy.

b. Clergy - high ranking religious leaders and Low Ranking officials of the church.
c. Peasantry - farmers, laborers and serfs.

3.OPEN-CLASS SYSTEM

Class position was determined by his/her personal effort and ability rather than by factors relating to birth.
Most often, occupation, education, income, etc. Determines once position.

Example :

Nora Aunor who used to sell drinking water in Bicol train station.

Manny Pacquiao who once a Pandesal vendor.