Understanding Culture, Society and Politics Quarter 2 – Module 3:
Examine the Concept, Characteristics and Forms of Stratification
Systems Using Sociological Perspectives
Stratification System
Meaning of Stratification
Social stratification is the classification of people into socioeconomic
class, based upon their occupation and income, wealth and social status.
Stratification is the relative social position of people within a social
group, category, geographic region, or social unit. Social stratification is
distinguished as three social classes: the upper class, the middle class,
and the lower class; in turn, each class can be subdivided into strata: the
upper-stratum, the middle-stratum, and the lower stratum. Social
stratum can be formed upon the bases of kinship or caste, or both.
Social desirables are resources considered valuable by societies.
These resources may be tangible or intangible. Sociologist may focus on
any of these resources as the basis of their theoretical perspective on
social inequality. In short, the recognition of the existence of these
social desirables is what brings together the sociological camps.
Generally, prestige, power, and wealth are three important social
desirables. It describes the social standing of individuals relative to
others. Social standing reflects persons’ worth and access to social,
political, and symbolic capital. Sociologists have different vies as to
what constitute social class. Karl Marx looked at it in terms of wealth
produced in relation to the ownership of the means of production.
Wealth may refer to money, properties, and similar tangible resources.
Max Weber, on the other hand, differentiates them into three: wealth,
power, and prestige. Individual’s social standing can be measured, all at
once, based on their relative access to these three.
Social mobility refers to changes of individuals, families, households,
or other categories of people within or between social class in a society.
It is a change in social status relative to one's current social location
within a given society.
Types of Social Mobility
Horizontal mobility -This happen when a person changes their
occupation but their overall social standing remains unchanged.
Vertical mobility - It is a change in the occupational, political, or
religious status of a person that causes a change in their societal
position. A person or social object moves from one social class to
another.
Upward mobility -It is when a person moves from a lower position in
society to a higher one. It can also include people occupying higher
positions in the same societal group. However, upward mobility, while
seen as a good thing, can also come at a cost for individuals.
Downward mobility -It takes place when a person moves from a
higher position in society to a lower one. It happen when someone is
caught performing a wrongful act that can result in the loss of the
position they currently hold.
Inter-generational mobility -This happen when the social position
changes from one generation to another. The change can be upward or
downward.
Intra-generational mobility -Change in societal position occurs during
the lifespan of a single generation. It can also refer to a change in
position between siblings. One way is when a person climbs up the
corporate ladder in their career.
ACTIVITY…REFLECTION PAPER
DIRECTIONS: Write your insights about this saying.
“THERE WOULD BE NO RICH WITOUT THE POOR” -Unknown
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