It refers to the arrangements of the individuals or groups of people into hierarchically arranged strata in a community. A community may appear as homogenous, ex: urban, rural etc, but there may be internal inequalities, divisions and distinctions. These distinctions become patterned and stabilized with unequal distribution of privileges, power and status positions.
The determinants of status are
Wealth- its quantity and quality. Ex: Income, standard of living.
Ancestry- nationality, ethnic background, length of residence in the area, family reputation.
Functional utility of the individual- education, occupation, skill.
Caste system and Class system represents basic forms of social stratification.
Social class is defined as unorganized group of people who become members by birth or by later entry into the group, who treat each others as approximate equals. It is ‘open class system’, democratic in nature and there is social mobility both up and down the ladder, depending on the socio-economic status.
Caste system is social classes whose membership is determined solely by birth and between there is no vertical social mobility. It is a ‘closed class system’, with clearly demarcated status and role for its members.
Participants