Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society based on various social factors such as wealth, income, occupation, education, social status, and power. It involves the division of society into distinct layers or strata, with individuals occupying different positions within the social hierarchy.

Key aspects of social stratification include:

1. Social Classes: Social stratification often leads to the formation of social classes, defined by differences in wealth, income, and access to resources. Classes can be broadly categorized into upper class, middle class, and lower class, with variations and subdivisions within each category. Social class influences individuals’ lifestyles, opportunities, and social mobility within society.
2. Status Groups: Social stratification also encompasses status groups, which are based on differences in prestige, honor, and social standing associated with particular occupations, affiliations, or identities. Status groups can include professions, ethnic or racial groups, religious communities, or cultural elites, with membership often determined by social recognition and cultural capital.
3. Power Structures: Social stratification involves the unequal distribution of power and authority within society, with certain individuals or groups exerting greater influence and control over resources, institutions, and decision-making processes. Power structures can be formal, such as political institutions and corporate hierarchies, or informal, such as social networks and cultural norms.
4. Social Mobility: Social stratification influences individuals’ ability to move up or down the social hierarchy over time, known as social mobility. Vertical mobility refers to changes in an individual’s social position within their lifetime or across generations, while horizontal mobility refers to movement between similar positions within the social hierarchy. Social mobility can be influenced by factors such as education, occupation, family background, and structural barriers.
5. Inequality and Injustice: Social stratification results in unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and life chances within society, leading to social inequality and injustice. Those in higher social positions often have greater access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and political power, while those in lower positions may face barriers to advancement and experience social exclusion and marginalization.
6. Reproduction of Stratification: Social stratification tends to be reproduced and reinforced over time through various mechanisms, including socialization, cultural beliefs, institutional practices, and structural inequalities. Patterns of stratification can become entrenched and perpetuated across generations, contributing to the persistence of social inequality and class divisions within society.

Understanding social stratification is essential for analyzing patterns of inequality, social dynamics, and power relations within societies. It provides insights into the mechanisms and consequences of social hierarchies, and informs efforts to address issues of social justice, economic inequality, and social mobility.