First, identify a system of social stratification (e.g., social class, caste, gender). Then, describe how this system works to divide society into layers or strata. Finally, provide a brief example to illustrate your point.
Full Answer
Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people into groups based on socioeconomic factors like wealth, income, race, education, ethnicity, gender, occupation, and social status. These divisions create a hierarchy. Key historical and contemporary systems of stratification include the caste system (a closed system based on ascribed status), the estate system (feudalism), and the social class system (a more open system based on achieved status).
Common mistakes
Giving an example of inequality (e.g., 'some people are rich and some are poor') without identifying it as part of a structured system like social class.
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