Stratification systems shape societies, determining how resources and power are distributed. From rigid caste systems to more flexible class-based structures, these hierarchies impact individuals' life chances and social mobility.
Economic inequality often translates into political inequality, as wealth concentration enables greater influence over decision-making processes. This intersection of economic and political power perpetuates cycles of advantage and disadvantage across generations.
Stratification Systems
Types of stratification systems
- Caste system assigns individuals a fixed social status based on ascribed characteristics determined at birth such as family lineage or occupation, creating a rigid hierarchical structure with little to no social mobility (Hindu caste system in India)
- Estate system stratifies society based on hereditary social status and occupation passed down through generations, resulting in a hierarchical structure with limited social mobility (medieval European society with nobility, clergy, and commoners)
- Class system stratifies individuals based on achieved status primarily determined by economic factors such as income, wealth, and occupation, allowing for greater social mobility compared to caste and estate systems (modern capitalist societies)
Historical evolution of stratification
- Agricultural revolution led to the emergence of surplus resources, enabling the development of social hierarchies and the concentration of power in the hands of a few
- Feudalism and the estate system concentrated political power among the nobility and clergy while commoners had limited power and representation
- Industrial revolution and the rise of capitalism shifted society towards a class-based system, giving rise to the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the working class (laborers), and gradually extending political rights and representation to a larger portion of the population
Economic vs political inequality
- Concentration of wealth and resources enables greater access to political influence and decision-making through means such as lobbying, campaign financing, and media ownership
- Limited access to education and opportunities restricts political participation and representation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization
- Economic inequality often intersects with other forms of inequality such as race and gender, compounding political disadvantages (racial wealth gap and its impact on political representation)
Impact of stratification on power
- Stratification systems can perpetuate inequality through institutions such as education systems, labor markets, and political processes that reinforce dominant group interests and ideologies
- Social movements and collective action (civil rights movement, women's suffrage, labor unions) can challenge existing power structures and push for change
- Reforms and redistributive policies (progressive taxation, affirmative action, campaign finance reform) aim to reduce inequality and expand political participation, altering the distribution of power in society