Exploring how social structure is organised
Listed below you will find an outline of the main components that form the social hierarchy in modern society.
Throughout history, stratification has been evidenced to impact access to education, healthcare and job opportunities. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to understand what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and respect carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to refer to people who are born into a social standing. Nowadays it can be recognised by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is created through personal efforts, such as highly regarded professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would know that status can be acquired through social contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would recognise the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the levels of respect and recognition received by individuals in society.
The social hierarchy is a concept which explains the way in which society is divided into various groups. Each society contains various types of social stratification whereby individuals are ranked based on their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is among the most recognisable components of the social hierarchy. An individual's class is mainly based on financial factors such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to characterise the set of more affluent people. Usually gotten through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold considerable economic power. Consequently, middle class relates to individuals with moderate wealth. Usually, middle class individuals hold professional careers and credentials. They have strong values for tertiary academia and employability. While lower class is the term used to categorise people who cope with lower earnings. Economic stratification makes use of social ranking to recognise a group's connection to opportunities in life.
The idea of stratification helps to understand why some individuals have more power than others. Comprehending social stratification theory allows sociologists to examine inequality and how it impacts various groups within society. Authority and influence are two of the elements that form social power. The word power describes one's ability to affect decisions and control within society. It can be associated with three key areas. Political power is possessed by governments and politicians who regulate the policies that control society. Additionally, economic power is held more info by businesses and wealthy people who have control over jobs and industry. Larry Ellison would concur that businesses hold financial power. Similarly, social power is a form of authority over societal judgement. Celebrities and media personalities are involved in setting trends and customs which influence society. Power is primarily focused amongst rich and popular people. Without some type of social supremacy, it is impossible to copyright power or influence.