Question

Explain why and how social stratification is universal. Discuss what shifts in global stratification seem to be taking place in both the United States as well as globally.

(Please respond to the question in no less than 200 words and to at least 4 of your classmates in no less than 60 words The initial response must be posted this week by Friday at 5pm or it will be considered late. In subsequent weeks it will be due on Thursday unless otherwise notified. Your responses to your classmates may occur up until the question is closed on Monday at noon.)

Answer 1

Social stratification is grouping the people of the society into different frames or groups. The basis for this stratification is the economic, social, and cultural power that they have in the society. People are stratified or grouped as high income group, middle income group and low income group on the basis of money they earn. This type of grouping people is seen in every society. Some people are grouped on the basis of religion, as the caste system in Hinduism. This type of social stratification is rigid, as individuals have no freedom to move into upper stratas in the stratification system. Similar is the racial stratification in which individuals born with a racial identity do not have any freedom to move into different stratas. The political and economic stratification do give freedom of movement in the social stratification, as individuals can move up in stratas with their hard work or political affiliations. The stratification of people based on their political affiliations, economic position, social status, ethinic cultural identity etc. are common in every society, hence is universal.

Global stratification is the comparing of the economic development, social and cultural progress of countries, their military power, and assigning them in different stratas. These stratas include developed countries, developing countries, and the underdeveloped countries. Developed countries are those those industrial countries that are rich and powerful. Developing countries are progressing in industrially and socio-culturally. Under-developed countries are those countries that are poor and lag behind in development socially and culturally.

The shift that is taking place in stratification is that, now the countries and people are stratified on the basis of economic factors than social and cultural factors. The inequalities are based on being rich and poor. The rich enjoy the privileges and power, while the poor are exploited and are dependent on the rich for their betterment. This is the trend that is been observed globally and at national level.