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Rosy Hastir, Lovely Professional University Unit 2: Basic Concepts Relating to Stratification

Unit 2: Basic Concepts Relating to Stratification Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
2.1 Equality and Inequality to Stratification
2.2 Hierarchy and Social Exclusion to Stratification
2.3 Poverty and Deprivation to Stratification
2.4 Summary
2.5 Key–Words
2.6 Review Questions
2.7 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
• Explain the Equality and Inequality to Stratification.
• Describe the Hierarchy and Social Exclusion to Stratification.
• Understand the Poverty and Deprivation to Stratification.
Introduction

Social inequality is a universal phenomena. It can exist either in the form of a hierarchy of groups
or individual or without the creation of a hierachy. When social inequalities do not create hierarchy
it is called social differentiation. But when social inequality manifests itself in the form of hierarchy
or gradation of groups, that is called social stratification. Social stratification is a process of hierarchical
arrangement of social strata in a society. Ascription and achievement are two normative principles
of determining such arrangements in all societies. According to Gisbert, “Social stratification is the
division of society into permanent groups of categories linked with each other by the relationship
of superiority and sub-ordination”
Social stratification is a historical process. It became a social institution of society at a certain level
of social evolution and social development. In simpler societies, social differentiation did exist but
were without institution of social stratification. With the generation of economic surplus and
accumulation of wealth stratification started to grow.
Stratification in society created. But here the question is on what basis does society create the
hierarchy? By conferring different rewards like wealth, prestige, power etc., to different groups
society create the basis of stratification. Thus, there are three major organising principles of social
stratification: (1) status, (2) wealth, and (3) power etc. These rewards can be overlapping and
power too. This kind of stratification is called cumulative stratification.
Status is the earliest principle of stratification. So far as social stratification is concerned, status
means a position in the hierarchy on the basis of honours or respect. In Indian society caste is an
example of status group.
Wealth is another reward in organising stratification. Change in mode of production i.e. from
agricultural to industrial, brought change in the principle of stratification. With the increase in

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