1. Describe the nature of stratification. Why does it imply?

A particular form of social inequality is called stratification. It refers to the presence of

social groups which are classified one above the other in terms of the power, prestige, and wealth
their members possess. It is the division of a population into strata, one on the top of another, on
the basis of certain characteristics like inborn qualities, material possessions and performance.
Those who belong to a particular group or stratum will have some awareness of common interest
and common identity. The existence of stratification has led to the centuries old problem of
social inequality.

2. Compare and contrast the caste system and the open system.

Castes or closed stratification systems are perceived as hereditary groups with a fixed
ritual status, social classes are defined in terms of the relations of production. In the class or open
system, ritual norms have no importance at all but power and wealth alone determine one’s
status. Caste system are non-economic factors such as influence of religion such as theory of
karma, rebirth and ritual are most important—whereas in open system depend mainly on
economic differences between groupings of individuals—inequalities in possession and control
of material resources. In the caste system and in other types of stratification system, inequalities
are expressed primarily in personal relationships of duty or obligation—between lower- and
higher-caste individuals, between serf and lord, between slave and master.

3. Why is there stratification in all societies? Justify your answer.

Almost all societies are stratified according to wealth, power, prestige, and other
resources the societies value. One’s level of education can be one of the factors with the reason
why there is stratification in all societies. It is positively correlated with income and wealth
therefore education clearly plays a role in social stratification.

4. What are the positive and negative consequences of social stratification? List and discuss
them.

The positive consequences of social stratification are it facilitates social organization and
governance. Within the social group, having one or more acknowledged leaders leads to greater
efficiency in decision-making, in contrast to egalitarian systems that rely on achieving consensus
among the entire group. Without some orderly arrangement of positions, anarchy or chaos might
ensue, ultimately leading to violent conflict within the group. The group’s members have clear
expectations of appropriate behavior. This is especially true in a “closed” stratified society, in
which people gain their positions by birthright or family connections. In an “open” system, in
contrast, statuses are achieved; while clear divisions exist, anyone could, in theory, take the
required steps to move up the levels. In reality, however, individuals have unequal opportunities
to gain status, and people of high status are protected (through social support, inheritance, etc.)
from losing it, so it is common for generations to maintain their status.

The negative consequences are it creates a huge gulf between the people in terms of their
incomes and a range of measures associated with social position, education, health, and
psychological well-being. It is distinctly perceived that disparity causes chaos in society. These
are the stumbling blocks in the way to progress and development of the country. Social
stratification causes social disparity and many problems as it is an unjust system with monopoly
of power and wealth in a particular group. It affects life chances, lifestyles and prestige. It creates
emotional stress and depression for the people belonging to lower social stratum as they have
unequal access to wealth, power and prestige.

5. Is social inequality good or bad in a society? Justify your answer.

Inequality is commonly thought of as a bad thing. Inequality is a sort of obstacle to the

growth of income. It can give wealthier people an unacceptable degree of control over the lives
of others. It is bad for society as it goes along with weaker social bonds between people, which
in turn makes health and social problems more likely. Richer countries have fewer social ills
however, for us it differs. Economic prosperity goes along with stronger social bonds in society
and thereby makes health and social problem less likely.

6. Do you think there is “Injustice” because of the big gap between the rich and the poor?
Explain your answer.

The gap between the rich and the poor has been widening in most countries. There is an
injustice causing this gap. If wealth is very unevenly distributed in a society, wealthy people
often end up in control of many aspects of the lives of poorer citizens: over where and how they
can work, what they can buy, and in general what their lives will be like.