Sociology Theory 101 – Social Stratification
Systems of Stratification, Feudalism, Caste, Estate, Social Class
Sep 19, 2009
Social stratification refers to the social and economic categorization of individuals within a societal framework – it not only makes reference to traditional wealth and influence but also to treatment of an individual with regards to their sex, race, religion, and even appearance.
Types of Social Stratification
One of the best examples of overt, systemic social stratification was (and, arguably, continues to be) the caste system in India. While the caste system has been remodeled, the social inheritance of such a long legacy of overt stratification means that many people still firmly believe in their social superiority or inferiority (as do many institutions and authorities whom still lend great credence to the notion of caste).
Born into a caste, one is subject to riches or ridicule, advancement and expectation from birth or simple disregard and disdain on the other end of the spectrum. The lowest caste, termed the “untouchables,” is comprised of individuals who barely qualify as persons in the eyes of many countrymen.
Caste is static, a mark of heritage, and while one may escape the economic conditions of their caste, they remain a member of that caste for the remainder of their life.
Feudalism, the Estate System, and the Social Class System
The caste system is somewhat comparable to fuedalism, a system that perpetuated a division between European serfs and free men, skilled labourers and craftsmen, versus the nobility, aristocratic landowners and titled individuals – though even in what is commonly known as the estate system, social mobility was still possible, if a hugely daunting challenge.
In most first world nations, the metric used for assessment for social stratification is known as the social class system – a system largely liberated from considerations of heritage and focused on economic indicators.
While hardly perfect — Marxist theorists and other conflict theorists point out that modern capitalist societies continue to marginalize many types of people, repressing them into economic stagnation or servitude — the social class system of stratification is more progressive than the caste system or the feudalist estate system.
Living in a Social Class System – Upward Social Mobility
One of the benefits of living under one of the more progressive socioeconomic systems such as the social class system is the potential to move beyond one's ascribed status – to move upward from humble economic roots with a hard work ethic, education, and a great degree of luck into a new social strata.
Ascribed status is status that one is born into — it encompasses class, race, sex, and other variables — and is normally quite indicative of the status outcome of any particular individual, especially in heavily stratified societies.
While the social class system is obviously imperfect — offering ill comfort or shelter to many minorities as well as the poor, and rural citizens — it does allow for a large degree of upward social mobility contingent on effort, achievement, education, and investment.
While wealth still by and large begets wealth, there is at least a fighting chance offered to every child from every background – thanks largely to socialist institutions and policy items such as breakfast programs, subsidized tuition for college and university, universal health care, child and marriage benefits, employment insurance, and a progressive income tax.
Other Articles Related to Social Issues, Social Justice, Philosophy, and Sociology
Interested in learning a bit more about social struggle? Robert Merton's Social Strain Theory is a good place to start. Those interested in how we form values and a self-image might do well to read up on Cooley's Theory of the Looking Glass Self.
Lastly, an article on Marxist Conflict Theory and Egalitarianism might be just what the doctor ordered for students looking for a bit of background on one of history's most influential political scientists and social philosophers.
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