what are the features of social stratification
Answers
Social stratification is social in nature
Social stratification is universal
Social stratification is ancient
Social stratification exists in different ways
4 Essential Features of Social stratification.
1. Inequality or Higher-lower positions:
Social Stratification involves division of society into several layers which stand hierarchically placed in social relations. While some positions or levels carry more rewards, more privileges, more respect, and these are considered to be higher levels; others enjoy lower positions and status. In this way stratification acts as a source of social inequality which is, however, deemed to be natural and essential for orderly, systematic and healthy social life.
2. Social Stratification is a Source of Competition.
Stratification leads to the emergence of several levels in society. The persons belonging to higher levels are conscious of their higher positions and they try to maintain and improve these. The persons belonging to lower levels always try to secure higher positions.
This gives rise to social competition which acts as a means of social progress. However, when this competition becomes unhealthy and very big, it leads to the birth of social conflict, struggles, jealousies and rivalries.
3. Every Status has a Particular Prestige Associated with it:
Every social position and status is associated with a particular prestige. However, this difference has to logical. It is not to be based on evil practices like casteism, religious superstitions and rituals. In ancient India, the class of Brahmins used to enjoy a superior position by birth and because of the supreme importance given to religious ceremonies.
However, with the passage of time, the faith in the superior position of Brahmins got greatly diluted. Now persons belonging to other classes have also secured higher positions in society. Every social class in now entitled to a life of dignity and respect. The difference can be of degree but not organic and irrational.
4. Stratification Involves a Stable, Enduring and Hierarchical Division of Society
Stratification leads to a very stable, enduring hierarchical and quite permanent division in society. Division between the two classes of rich and poor has been continuously present in every society In India, caste based social stratification has been so strong that it even continues to survive today. Caste based stratification has been very rigid and permanent and a person belonging to one caste can never join another caste.
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