Social stratification is the differentiation of some given set of people (population) into classes in a hierarchical rank. Its foundation and essence is the uneven distribution of rights and privileges, responsibilities and duties, the presence or absence of social values, power and influence among the members of a particular community. (Barber, 1957)
Any sociological approaches provide a thorough study of social stratification from different perspectives, focusing on certain criteria, which are a source of social inequality. Functional approach examines the social division of labor, as the initial emergence of social inequality. For example, functionalists K. Davis and W. Moore call the reason for the existence of stratification system the uneven distribution of wealth and social prestige. Conflict class approach allows the most exhaustive study of the division into classes, which caused private property and relationships are formed and became established as a result of the separation. Stratification approach aims to analyze the stratification of the competition in society and the value of benefits, access to and distribution according to professional status, reputation. (Davis, K., & Moore, Wilbert E., 1945)
Thus, social stratification indicates inequality in society, its division by certain criteria or a a combination of stable groups which have an unequal impact on public life. That is, it has two functions – social stratification is a method of identifying the social strata of the society and it gives an idea of a social portrait of the society, which helps the development of underdeveloped areas of the social structure, and the prosperity of society as a whole.
Also, US traditionally considered a model of meritocracy, to ensure social mobility. A structural social mobility is a change in the social situation of large numbers of people, mainly due to changes in the society, not the individual efforts. Therefore, social stratification is not only a reflection of individual differences but also a product of society.
Reference list
Barber, B. (1957) Social Stratification: A Comparative Analysis of Structure and Process. New York: Harcout, Brace and World.
Davis, K., & Moore, Wilbert E. (1945) Some principles of stratification. In: ASR 10(2):242-49. Summary.
