Going over key social strata concepts

Here is an overview of some of the key elements of the societal hierarchy with a focus on class, status and power.

The concept of stratification helps to understand why some individuals have more power than others. Comprehending social stratification theory helps sociologists to analyse inequality and how it impacts specific groups in society. Authority and influence are 2 of the factors that make up social power. The term power defines one's ability to influence decisions and authority within here society. It can be related to three key areas. Political power is maintained by administrations and politicians who control the policies that regulate society. In addition, economic power is held by corporations and rich people who have control over jobs and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a type of authority over societal opinion. Celebrities and media personalities are active in setting trends and customs which guide society. Power is mainly concentrated amongst rich and popular individuals. Without some form of social authority, it is impossible to assert power or influence.

Throughout history, stratification has been revealed to affect access to education, healthcare and work. By checking out the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to be aware of what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to describe individuals who are born into a social position. At present it can be determined by backgrounds such as aristocracy or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is earned through individual efforts, such as reputable professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can be attained through societal contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would acknowledge the value of acquired status. Status can have an influence on the levels of respect and acknowledgment received by people in society.

The social hierarchy is a concept which describes the way in which society is divided into different categories. Every society consists of different types of social stratification where individuals are ranked based on their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is one of the most perceivable aspects of the social hierarchy. An individual's class is predominantly based on financial elements such as wealth and income. Upper class is the denomination used to describe the group of more well-off people. Commonly gotten through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these individuals hold significant financial power. Subsequently, middle class pertains to individuals with intermediate wealth. Typically, middle class individuals have professional occupations and qualifications. They have strong appreciation for high level academia and employability. Whereas lower class is the expression used to recognise those who cope with minimal income. Economic stratification makes use of class to determine a group's access to opportunities in society.