What is Social Stratification

Social stratification is defined as what society uses to rank its population in categories. There are many ways that people are categorized. There are mainly four components that make up social stratification.      

1. Social stratification is created by society. Individuals themselves have nothing to do with it.       
2. Social stratification carries on generation by generation. However, most social stratification groups allow for flexibility in rank. This means that there is a chance of moving up or down ranks.
3. Despite the fact that social stratification does happen world wide, there are small changes that vary from group to group.                         
4. Social stratification has to do with both beliefs and inequality.

The stratification order is usually gained by a  mix of three components.

• Power
• Prestige
• Property