Quarter 2

Understanding Culture, Society & Politics

Concept, Characteristics and Forms of

Stratification Systems

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. explain the meaning and nature of social stratification
2. distinguish social stratification and social differentiation
3. identify the indicators of social stratification
4. differentiate the characteristics of the systems of social stratification
5. analyze the claims and explanations of the structural-functionalists,

1
conflict theorists, and symbolic-interactionist on social stratification

2
 Jumpstart

Before going on, answer the activities below to check on what you
know about the topic. Have fun and good luck!

Directions: Analyze each statement below. Write TRUE if it is correct, otherwise

FALSE. Place your answers in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Social stratification the process where a society determines a person’s worth

based on their income and wealth, as well as other characteristics like
gender, class and age, and distributes social rewards accordingly.
2. Social stratification is only found in industrialized societies.
3. From a structional-functionalist perspective, poverty may serve positive
functions for society.
4. A class system is more closed than a caste system.
5. Ethnicity is constructed from cultural traits, whereas race is constructed
from biological traits
6. Estate systems of social stratification have two classes.
7. Different societies have different explanations of why people should be
unequal
8. Caste systems are characterized by a high level of equality.
9. The idea that social inequality plays a vital role in the smooth operation of
society is consistent with the structural-functional approach.
10. The caste system is a more open stratification system than a class system

3
 Discover

Inequality is found in all societies irrespective of time or place. All human

societies from the simple to the most complex have some form of social
inequality. In particular, power and prestige are unequally distributed between
individuals and groups. Societies may differ in the degree of inequalities and nature
of stratification.

In all societies people differ from each other on the basis of their age, sex
and personal characteristics. Human society is not homogeneous but
heterogeneous. Apart from the natural differences, human beings are also
differentiated according to socially approved criteria. Society is divided based on
economic, social, religious and other aspects. Heterogeneity in society is called
social stratification.

Social stratification is an inherent character of all societies. It is

historical as we find it in all societies, ancient and modern; and it is universal as
it exists in simple or complex societies. The social differentiation on the basis of
high and low is the historical heritage of all societies.

Meaning and Nature of Social Stratification

Sociologists use the term social stratification to describe the system of
social standing. There are various meanings of social stratification and is defined
as follows:
 It refers to what sociologists call it as “institutionalized inequality” of
individual or “social injustice” due to social categories (Ariola, 2012).
 It is an institutionalized pattern of inequality in which social
categories are ranked on the basis of their access to scarce resources
Brinkerhoff & White, 1988).
 It is the way people are ranked and ordered in society (Cole, 2019).
 It is 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. One result of each
differentiation is the creation of a number of levels within the society.
(Hebding & Glick, 1992)
 It is the hierarchical arrangement and establishment of social
categories that evolve into a social group together with statuses and
their corresponding roles. (Panopio el al., 1994)
 It is the differentiation of a given population into hierarchically
superposed classes. It is manifested in the existence of upper and
lower social layers. Its basis and very essence consist in an unequal
distribution of rights and privileges, duties and responsibilities, social
values and privations, social power and influences among the

4
 members of a society (Sorokin, 1927).
Social Stratification is distinguished from Social Differentiation

Social differentiation refers to how people can be distinguished from one

another. People in a group may differ in skin color, hair color, race, mental and
physical ability, and the like.

Social stratification refers to the ranking of people in a society. In closed

stratification, people cannot change their ranks while those in open social
stratification, people can change their ranks. In short social stratification is the
separation of people into social categories and these categories are ranked as
higher or lower.

Indicators of Social Stratification

There are some people that are treated in another way because of the
social status, power, income, prestige and among others that they hold in their
society (Arcinas, 2016).

The individual’s position in the social structure is called status. The

higher or lower positions that come about through social stratifications are called
statuses. Statuses are not the same. One may get different statuses in different
ways. They can be ascribed or achieved. Ascribed statuses are assigned or given
by the society or group on the basis of some fixed category, without regard to a
person’s abilities or performance. These include sex, family background, race, and
ethnic heritage. You did nothing to earn these statuses; you have no control over
these characteristics and no opportunity or chance to choose your family, your sex,
and your race. In the Philippines, the children of Ayala’s and the Zobel’s have
ascribed statuses (Zulueta, 2006). Whereas, achieved statuses are earned by the
individual because of his or her talent, skills, occupation and perseverance. These
include, degree or educational attainment, promotion, position, earned wealth and
the like. For example, Nora Aunor has moved up in the social ladder because of her
beautiful voice and singing talent. Prestige refers to the evaluation of status. You
have prestige according to your status. For example, being the president of the
Supreme Student Government of your school, you have the prestige of a president
whether or not you perform and carry out well the duties and responsibilities of
SSG president (Baleña et.al., 2016).

According to Max Weber, most societies would favor those with power,
prestige, status, wealth or class. According to Weber’s Component Theory on
Social Stratification, these three would determine a person’s standing in his/her
community:

1. Power refers to the ability to influence other people. It is getting what

they want despite the unwillingness of others to give in to their desires.
2. Prestige refers to the person’s position in the society. This refers to
having a certain status that enables someone to have resources or
opportunities.

5
 3. Wealth refers to the amount of resources that a person has (Arcinas,
2016).
As mentioned by Ariola (2012) in his book, one may be viewed as
belonging to the upper social strata or lower social strata depending on the
following dimensions:

1. Sources of Income. There are different sources of income. These are the
inherited wealth, earned wealth, profits, professional fees, salaries, wages,
and private relief, among others. Wealth is everything that is owned by a
person. Inherited wealth is acquired since birth and without effort.
Acquired wealth is achieved through ones effort either by talent, income
or by marriage. Income refers to the amount of money a person receives.

2. Occupation. What people do for a living determines, to a large extent,

the social position of the person. Occupation may be classified into
professionals, non-professionals (clerks, drivers, etc.) proprietors of
small business, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and unskilled
workers.

Examination of the mentioned occupations indicates disparities in

prestige, income and power.

3. Education. Educational attainment of a person may be categorized as

Masteral or doctoral degree holder, college graduate, high school
graduate, elementary school drop-out, among others. Possession of the
person of any of these educational backgrounds may characterize the
person’s status in the community.

4. Types of house dwellings. Dwellings can be categorized as permanent

house (concrete and excellent in appearance), semi-permanent house
(semi-concrete and very good in appearance and construction), temporary
house (wood and fair in appearance and construction), and poorly
constructed house (houses found in squatter areas, or those considered
below-the-bridge houses).

5. Location of residence. Power, prestige and wealth are also attached

to the location of residence. There is disparity of social status when
one residence is located in Forbes Park, White Plains, squatter area,
mountainous-rugged area, in subdivision and non-subdivision area.

6. Kinship or family. In the Philippines, when a person belongs to the

Ayala’s, Soriano’s, Zobel’s, Villar’s, that person is regarded as
belonging to the upper class (rich) status. Children of sultans and
datus are highly regarded as rich. If a person is from a family whose
house is situated in the squatter’s area, that person is regarded as
poor or belonging to lower class status.

6
Types of Social Stratification and their Characteristics

Generally, there are three (3) known types of social stratification: open systems,
closed systems and ethnic systems (A r i o l a , 2012).
Sociologists distinguish between two types of systems of stratification –
open system and closed system. For the anthropologists, they include ethnic
system as another type of social stratification.

A. Open System
General
Categories
Characteristics

The class structure is an
open system. It encourages people
to strive and achieve something.
People belonging to one social
class have similar opportunities,
similar lifestyles, attitudes,
behavior and possibly similar
socio-economic positions.
It is based on achievement,
allow movement and interaction
between layers and classes. One
person can move up or down to
class through intermarriages,
opportunities, or achievement.
People have equal chance to
succeed. Whether people do
something to improve their lives or
not this greatly depends on them.
Upper Class – The people in this class have
great wealth and sources of income. They constitute
the elite wealthy group in the society. They have high
reputation in terms of power and prestige. They live
in exclusive residential area, belong to exclusive
private clubs, and may have strong political
influence in the system of government. They own
several cars and properties and their children may
study in exclusive schools.
Middle Class – The people in this class may
belong to the upper-middle class which is often made
up of highly educated business and professional
people with high incomes, such as doctors, lawyers,
stockbrokers, and CEOs or to the lower-middle class
often made up of people with lower incomes, such as
managers, small business owners, teachers, and
secretaries. Aside from generally command of high
income, people belonging to the upper-middle class
often have college education, live in comfortable
homes, own properties, have some money savings,
and active in community activities. People in the
lower-middle class have not achieved the same
lifestyle of the upper –middle class but somehow
have modest income and live in simple life.

Lower Class –The lower class is typified by

poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. The
people in this class belong to the bottom of socio-
economic ladder. They may be categorized into two:
upper-lower class and lower-lower class. In the
upper-lower class, people are considered as the
working class or laborers. They have acquired little
education, little time to be involved in civic and
community activities. Some of them are
underemployed, have many socio- economic
problems, with little or no luxuries at all. The people
in the lower-lower class are unemployed, or no
source of income except by begging or dependent
from private and government relief. Many of them

7
 live in squatter areas, under the bridge, in street
corridors, or with no house at all. Many of them are
liabilities of society because they may be involved in
drug addiction and criminalities.

B. Closed Systems
General
Characteristics
Closed system
accommodates little change in
social position. They do not
allow people to shift levels and
do not permit social
relationships between levels.
Categories
1. Caste System – It is regarded as closed
stratification system in which people can do
little or nothing to change their social
standing. Social contact is rigid and clearly
defined. People are born and die in their
caste. Contact between and among the caste
is minimal and governed by a set of rules –
especially those who belong to the lower
degree, as this will tend to bring them down.
We do not practice caste system in
the Philippines. It existed for centuries in
India and this includes the Brahmans who
are associated with the priesthood, the
Kahatryias (the warriors), the Vaishyus
(the businessmen and traders), and the
Shudrus (the servants).

2. Estate System – It is somewhat a closed

system in which the person’s social
standing is based on ownership of land,
birth, or military strength. Individuals who
were born into one of the estates remained
there throughout life but in extreme cases
there is social mobility that is people could
change their status. In the middle ages
there are three (3) major estates in Europe
– nobility, clergy, and the peasants.

C. Ethnic System
General Characteristics
This type of social stratification is based on national origin, language and
religion. Ethnicity sets segments of society apart and each group has a sense of
identity. People interact more freely with those people belonging to the same
ethnic category. During the Spanish and American colonial systems in the
Philippines, the colonizers perceived themselves to be occupying the upper
social class than the Filipinos or the natives whom they called as Indios.
Immigrants usually b e l o n g t o a l o w e r s t a t u s t h a n t h e i n h a b i t a n t s .
The Gaddangs, Itawis, Ituweraw, Ilonngots, and other ethnic minority groups
are considered inferior than the others.

8
Social Stratification and Social Mobility

Social mobility refers to the movement within the social structure, from one
social position to another. It means a change in social status. All societies provide
some opportunity for social mobility. But the societies differ from each other to
extent in which individuals can move from one class or status level to another.
Thus, people in society continue to move up down the status scale. This
movement is called ‘social mobility’. For example, the poor people may become
rich, the bank peon may become bank officers, farmers may become ministers,
and a petty businessman may become a big industrialist and so on. At the same
time a big businessman may become a bankrupt and ruling class may be turned
out of office and so on.

Kinds of Social Mobility

In a democratic state like the Philippines, a person can improve his social
status but the degree of mobility varies. In an open system, every individual is
provided equal opportunities to compete for the role and status derived
regardless of gender, race, religion, family background and political inclination.
There are three (3) types of social mobility: social mobility, geographical mobility,
and role mobility.

1. Social Mobility refers to the movement upward or downward among

the social positions in any given social stratification. It may be upward
(vertical) mobility and downward (horizontal) mobility. Vertical mobility
refers to the movement of people of groups from one status to another.
It involves change in class, occupation or power. For example, the
movement of people from the poor class to the middle class. Horizontal
mobility is a change in position without the change in status. It
indicates a change in position, within the rage of the status. A change
in status may come about through one’s occupation, marrying into a
certain family and others. For example, an engineer working in a
factory may resign from his job and join another factory.

2. Geographical Mobility is otherwise known as physical mobility. It may

be a voluntary movement of people from one geographical area to
another due to change in residence, commuting from home to office,
making business trips, and voluntary migration from one country to
another. It may be also a forced migration which include forced
relocation or residence, eviction, dispossession of unwanted people, and
transportation of slaves.

3. Role Mobility is the individual’s shifting from role to role. Every

member of a society has roles to play. Different situations call for
enactment of various roles. For example, the father is the bread earner
of the family but may be a teacher in school, or the leader at home or a
follower in the school or office. A daughter may be submissive at home

9
but very active and active as a campus student leader. A teacher may
have varied roles such as being a mother, a wife, a guidance counselor,
a community leader and many more (Ariola, 2012).

10
Theoretical Perspective and Analysis of Social Stratification
Social stratification can be examined from different sociological
perspectives—structural-functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic-
interactionism.

Theoretical Perspective Major Assumptions/Analysis

Stratification is necessary to induce people

with special intelligence, knowledge, and
Structural -
skills to enter the most important
Functionalism
occupations. For this reason, stratification
is necessary and inevitable.
Stratification results from lack of
opportunity and from discrimination and
Conflict
prejudice against the poor, women, and
people of color. It is neither necessary nor
inevitable.
Stratification affects people’s beliefs,
Symbolic - Interactionism
lifestyles, daily interaction, and conceptions
of themselves.

In sociology, the functionalist perspective examines how society’s parts

operate. It is a macro analytical view that focuses on the way that all aspects of
society are integral to the continued health and viability of the whole. Structural-
Functionalism recognizes that all societies maintain some form of social
stratification, and therefore, social stratification must have important functional
consequences. According to Davis & Moore (1945), different aspects of society
exist because they serve a needed purpose. They argued that the greater the
functional importance of a social role, the greater must be the reward. The
theory posits that social stratification represents the inherently unequal value of
different work. Certain tasks in society are more valuable than others. Qualified
people who fill those positions must be rewarded more than others.
Conflict theory focuses on the creation and reproduction of inequality.
Conflict theorists are deeply critical of social stratification, asserting that it
benefits only some people, not all of society. Conflict theory’s explanation of
stratification draws on Karl Marx’s view of class societies and incorporates the
critique of the functionalist view mentioned above. Many different explanations
grounded in conflict theory exist, but they all assume that stratification stems
from a fundamental conflict between the needs and interests of the powerful, or
“haves,” in society and those of the weak, or “have-nots” (Kerbo, 2009). The
former take advantage of their position at the top of society to stay at the top,
even if it means oppressing those at the bottom. At a minimum, they can heavily
influence the law, the media, and other institutions in a way that maintains
society’s class structure.

Symbolic-interactionism is a theory that uses everyday interactions of

individuals to explain society as a whole. Symbolic interactionism examines
stratification from a micro-level perspective. This analysis strives to explain how
people’s social standing affects their everyday interactions. Consistent with its

11
micro orientation, symbolic interactionism tries to understand stratification by
looking at people’s interaction and understandings in their daily lives. Unlike the
functionalist and conflict views, it does not try to explain why we have
stratification in the first place. Rather, it examines the differences that
stratification makes for people’s lifestyles and their interaction with other people.
In most communities, people interact primarily with others who share the same
social standing. It is precisely because of social stratification that people tend to
live, work, and associate with others like themselves, people who share their
same income level, educational background, or racial background, and even
tastes in food, music, and clothing. The built-in system of social stratification
groups people together. This is one of the reasons why it was rare for a royal
prince like England’s Prince William to marry a commoner. Symbolic
interactionist also note that people’s appearance reflects their perceived social
standing. Housing, clothing, and transportation indicate social status, as do
hairstyles, taste in accessories, and personal style.

Explore

Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on

to master and strengthen the basic concepts you have learned
from this lesson.

Enrichment Activity 1
Directions: Complete the table by listing down the assumptions of the three
theoretical perspectives (Structural – Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic-
Interactionism) on social stratification. Write your answer in a separate sheet of
paper.

Theoretical
Assumptions
Perspectives
Structural -
Functionalism

Conflict Theory

Symbolic-
Interactionism

12
Enrichment Activity 2
Directions: Differentiate the three social classes under open system by completing
the graphic organizer below .Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

Upper Class Middle Class Lower Class

Great job! You have understood the lesson. Are you

ready now to summarize?

Deepen

Activity 1
Directions: Answer the following questions briefly but substantially. Write
your answer in a separate sheet of paper. Your answers will be scored based
on the rubrics below.

Criteria Scor
e
Content 2
Mechanics 2
Neatness 1

1. How is social stratification differ from social differentiation?

2. How is open system of social stratification differ from closed system of

social stratification?

13
 3. Does inequality of prestige exist in the Philippines? Explain.

Activity 2
Directions: Look for a person (a local figure) whom you consider very successful
today, that is he/she started as a poor person until he/she succeeded in life
(political, education, business, and religious field). Write his/her success story.
Use a separate paper for your output. You will be graded based on the rubrics
below.

Criteria Score
Content 2
Mechanics 2
Neatness 1

PHOTO

Name of the Successful Person: Residence:

Present Position: Nature of Work: Sources of Information:

Success Story

14
Process Questions:
1. Describe the life/life situation of the person above before he becomes
successful.

2. Is the status of the successful person above ascribed or achieved? Why?

3. Does social stratification affect life chances of an individual? Explain.

Great job! You are almost done with this lesson.

Gauge

Directions: Read very carefully the questions below and choose the letter that
corresponds to your answer. Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following defines social stratification?

A. Social isolation of people from each other
B. System in which everyone is equal but perform very different tasks
C. System by which a person's place in society is defined by birth
D. None of these

2. Which of the following best describes how social class is related to social
stratification?
A. Each layer has many layers of social stratification
B. Each layer of social stratification constitutes a social class
C. The terms social stratification and social class mean the same thing
D. Social stratification exists in caste systems, whereas social classes only
exist in non-caste systems

3. What is the key distinction between a caste system and a class system?
A. a marriage within a specific group
B. occupational prestige
C. educational opportunity
D. social mobility

15
4. What is Social Stratification?
A. The division of society into categories, ranks, or classes.
B. The unequal sharing of scarce resources and social rewards
C. A social structure in which classes are determined by ascribed status.
D. A social structure in which classes are determined by achieved status.

5. The unequal sharing of scarce resources and social rewards is known as .

A. Social Inequality
B. Social Mobility
C. Social Sharing
D. Social Stratification

6. The most distinguishing characteristic of a caste system (where class is

based on birth) is that
A. People can only move intergenerational
B. People can move vertically, but not horizontally
C. Social status is inherited and cannot be changed
D. Social status can be changed by education and hard work

7. A factory worker's son earns his way through college and eventually becomes
a physics engineer. This is an example of
A. Horizontal mobility
B. Intergenerational mobility
C. Role mobility
D. Vertical mobility

8. Isidra moves from a job as a computer programmer to a job as a Web page

designer. This is an example of
A. Horizontal mobility
B. Intergenerational mobility
C. Role mobility
D. Vertical mobility

9. Which of the following perspective states that "inequality exists because some
people are willing to exploit others"?
A. Conflict perspective
B. Structural-Functionalist
C. Social Exchange
D. Symbolic-interactionist

10. A politician describes inequality as a motivator of people to fill the different

and necessary positions in society. He is using example of .
A. Conflict theory
B. Social Exchange theory
C. Structural-Functionalist theory
D. Symbolic-interactionist theory

16
11. Which of the states that stratification assures that the most qualified people
fill the most important positions, that these qualified people perform their
tasks competently, and that they are rewarded for the effort?
A. Conflict theory
B. Structural-Functionalism
C. Symbolic interactionism
D. None of the choices

12. Which of the following best describes the structural-functionalist theory of

social stratification?
A. Inequality exists because some people are willing to exploit others.
B. Social stratification will eventually be eliminated when the workers revolt.
C. Children are taught that a person's social class is the result of their
talent and effort.
D. The inequality of social classes helps assure that the most qualified
people fill the most important positions.

13. Which of the following best describes the symbolic-interactionist perspective

of social stratification?
A. Inequality exists because some people are willing to exploit others.
B. Social stratification will eventually be eliminated when the workers revolt.
C. Children are taught that a person's social class is the result of their
talent and effort
D. The inequality of social classes helps assure that the most qualified
people fill the most important positions

14. Which describes a society where people frequently can, by acquiring skills and
working hard, move from one level of social stratification to a higher level of
social stratification.
A. closed system
B. open system
C. ethnic system
D. estate system

15. The child of an office clerk becomes a physician. This is an example of .

A. Geographical mobility
B. Intergenerational mobility
C. Social mobility
D. Role mobility

17
Answer Key

18