Social Stratification:

Meaning, Forms, Class System, and Caste System

Meaning of Social Stratification

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on their access to resources, privileges, and power. It leads to the unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, and opportunities, dividing society into different layers or strata. These strata form the basis for social inequalities that may be linked to class, caste, race, gender, and other social markers.

In all societies, some form of social stratification exists. While the specifics may differ, social stratification often results in the differential treatment of individuals based on their position in the social hierarchy.

Definitions of Social Stratification

1. Lundberg (1968): “Social stratification is the division of population into two or more layers, each of which is relatively homogeneous and between which there are differences in privileges, restrictions, rewards, and obligations.”
2. Cuber (1954): “A pattern of superimposed categories of differential privilege is termed as social stratification.”

Social stratification reflects structured inequalities, wherein people’s access to resources and life chances is influenced by their social positions.

Social mobility, the movement of individuals or groups from one stratum to another, is an important aspect of stratified societies.

Forms of Social Stratification

Social stratification can take various forms, each based on different criteria such as wealth, power, occupation, race, gender, or religious affiliation. The two major forms of social stratification discussed in rural sociology and sociology at large are class and caste.

1. Class System
2. Caste System

1. Class System:

   The class system is a form of social stratification based primarily on economic factors such as wealth, income, education, and occupation. Unlike other forms of stratification (like caste), the class system allows for more social mobility, meaning individuals can change their social position over time based on their achievements or economic status.

Characteristics of the Class System

1. Economic Basis: The class system is often based on economic status, which includes wealth, income, and material possessions.
2. Social Mobility: The class system allows for both upward and downward mobility. This means that individuals can move between classes through education, hard work, or changes in income.
3. Fluid and Open: Unlike caste, the class system is more flexible and open. An individual’s class position can change throughout their life based on their achievements.
4. Hierarchy of Status: Classes are ranked in a hierarchy, and individuals in higher classes have greater privileges, opportunities, and access to resources.
5. Achievement-Oriented: Social status in a class system is achieved rather than ascribed. People can improve their social standing through education, occupation, and income.

Determinants of Social Class

• Occupation: Professions, such as being a doctor, lawyer, or farmer, often determine social class.
• Income: The amount of wealth or income significantly affects one’s class position.
• Education: Higher levels of education often lead to better job opportunities, resulting in higher social status.
• Material Possessions: Ownership of land, property, or businesses can increase one’s class standing.

Features of the Class System

1. Hierarchical: Society is divided into layers where people have unequal access to resources and power.
2. Recognition of Superiority and Inferiority: Each class level is recognized by its access to material goods and social power.
3. Change and Mobility: Unlike caste systems, the class system allows for change and mobility, with individuals moving up or down the social hierarchy.

Examples of Social Classes

• Upper Class: Includes wealthy individuals, business magnates, and those with inherited wealth.
• Middle Class: Comprises professionals, small business owners, and those in white-collar jobs.
• Lower Class: Often includes individuals working in low-paying jobs, manual labor, or those living in poverty.

2. Caste System:

   The caste system is a form of social stratification in which individuals are born into a particular social group or caste, and this status is permanent. Unlike the class system, the caste system is rigid and does not allow for social mobility. Caste status is ascribed, meaning individuals cannot change the social group they are born into.

Characteristics of the Caste System

1. Ascribed Status: Individuals inherit their caste at birth, and this status remains fixed for life.
2. Closed System: There is no opportunity for upward or downward mobility within the caste system. Individuals must adhere to the roles and expectations of their caste.
3. Endogamy: Marriage within one’s caste is strictly enforced, meaning people must marry within their own caste.
4. Caste-Based Occupations: Traditionally, specific occupations are tied to certain castes. For example, in India, Brahmins are associated with religious duties, while Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) are associated with menial labor.
5. Hierarchical: Castes are ranked in a strict hierarchical order, and there are clearly defined superior and inferior castes.
6. Religious Justification: In many societies, especially in India, the caste system has a strong religious endorsement, where caste divisions are seen as part of divine order.

Determinants of Caste

• Birth: The caste system is strictly hereditary; one is born into a caste and remains there for life.
• Family Lineage: The family’s name, status, and history within the caste define an individual’s position.
• Occupation: In the traditional caste system, occupations are inherited and are passed down through generations.
• Privileges and Restrictions: Each caste comes with certain privileges, rewards, and obligations. Higher castes often have greater access to resources, while lower castes face restrictions.

Features of the Caste System

1. Rigidity: The caste system is rigid and closed. No mobility is possible between castes.
2. Caste Consciousness: A strong sense of identity and belonging exists within one’s caste, and the system is often endorsed by religious teachings.
3. Vertical Inequality: The caste system creates a deep and permanent inequality between individuals of different castes.
4. Endogamy: Marriage is restricted to within the same caste.

Examples of Caste Systems

• India: India’s caste system is one of the most well-known examples, traditionally comprising four main varnas (castes): Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Outside of these, the Dalits were historically treated as “untouchables.”

Comparison Between Class and Caste Systems