Social Stratification And Social Class - 1205 Words

Individuals within a society are grouped into certain rankings that is based on their wealth, income, race and education known as the social stratification. Sociologist use this to determine the social standings of individuals within a society. Social stratification can also appear in much smaller groups. These groups such as the work place, schools, and businesses can â€Å"take the form of a distribution of power and authority down the ranks†. (Cole, 2017) The Caste system is also another form of stratification that one does not get a choice in. They are born into it and regardless of their talents will hold positions that are given to them their whole life. Social mobility is the ability for individuals to move about their social standings.†¦show more content†¦Erik Wright, Dennis Gilbert and Joseph Kahl sociologist, have identified social classes within societies and created different models for it. Wright has followed along the lines of Karl Marx’s model and has modified it naming four different classes: â€Å"capitalists, petty bourgeoisie, managers, and workers†. (Www3.ncc.edu, 2017) Gilbert and Kahl’s model has six classes: â€Å"the capitalist class, the upper middle class, the lower middle class, the working class, the working poor, and the underclass†. (Www3.ncc.edu, 2017) If individuals lived in a society that was considered a classless society individuals would be living in a communist society this is why society requires different social classes. Communism is not an ideal society and prevents individuals from doing what they desire. While researching tribal and nomadic societies it would seem that these societies are ideal. The individuals who live within them all share the same â€Å"economic roles† (Newworldencyclopedia.org, 2017) and this can be considered ideal. However, communism restricts individuals from ever becoming more than what is told of them. While looking at Wright, Gilbert and Kah l’s models of social class and having an ideal society, Gilbert and Kahl’s model gives room for individuals at all class levels to play a part in society. These individuals are not set into a certain class and are free to rise to a higher class. Individuals who live in an ideal society will beShow MoreRelatedClass Stratification And Social Stratification1485 Words   |  6 Pages ‘Class stratification is no longer relevant in explaining equality in the U.K. today.’ A. 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