Taking a look at some of the main components of the social hierarchy by detailing stratification principles.
Throughout history, stratification has been discovered to influence access to higher education, healthcare and job opportunities. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to comprehend what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and regard carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to refer to people who are born into a social position. Today it . can be recognised by backgrounds such as aristocracy or caste. Additionally, achieved status is obtained through personal efforts, such as highly regarded professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would identify the significance of acquired status. Status can have an influence on the levels of regard and acknowledgment received by people in society.
The social hierarchy is a theory which describes the way in which society is graded into various categories. Each society contains various types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based on their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most recognisable forms of the social hierarchy. A person's class is predominantly based upon financial elements such as wealth and income. Upper class is the denomination used to describe the group of more affluent individuals. Often gained through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these people hold significant economic power. Subsequently, middle class pertains to individuals with intermediate wealth. Generally, middle class individuals copyright professional careers and credentials. They have strong values for higher academia and employability. Whereas lower class is the expression used to categorise those who struggle with minimal income. Economic stratification uses social ranking to determine a group's connection to opportunities in life.
The idea of stratification helps to make sense of why some individuals have more power than others. Comprehending social stratification theory enables sociologists to study inequality and how it impacts specific groups in society. Authority and impact are two of the elements that comprise social power. The word power refers to one's capability to affect decisions and authority within society. It can be related to 3 key areas. Political power is maintained by governments and politicians who manage the laws that govern society. Additionally, economic power is held by corporations and wealthy people who have control over jobs and industry. Larry Ellison would concur that businesses hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a form of authority over social opinion. Famous people and media personalities are active in setting trends and customs which guide society. Power is generally focused amongst wealthy and popular individuals. Without some type of social supremacy, it is impossible to assert power or control.