Listed below you will find an explanation of the main elements that make up the social hierarchy in modern society.
The idea of stratification helps to comprehend why some people have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory allows sociologists to analyse inequality and how it influences various groups in society. Authority and impact are two of the elements that make up societal power. The term power represents one's ability to influence decisions and control within society. It can be associated with three key areas. Political power is possessed by administrations and political leaders who regulate the laws that govern society. Additionally, economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over jobs and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that businesses hold financial power. Similarly, social power is a form of authority over societal opinion. Celebrities and media figures are instrumental in setting trends and customs which influence society. Power is generally focused among wealthy and popular people. Without some kind of social authority, it is impossible to copyright power or control.
Throughout history, stratification has been evidenced to affect access to higher education, healthcare and employment. By . exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to comprehend what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and respect held by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to refer to individuals who are born into a social standing. Today it can be determined by backgrounds such as royalty or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is created through personal efforts, such as reputable professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would know that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would identify the value of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of regard and recognition received by people in society.
The social hierarchy is a theory which explains the way in which society is graded into different groups. Each society contains various types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most recognised aspects of the social hierarchy. A person's social ranking is mainly based upon economic factors such as wealth and income. Upper class is the term used to describe the group of more well-off individuals. Usually acquired through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold significant economic power. Consequently, middle class refers to individuals with moderate wealth. Typically, middle class people have professional careers and credentials. They have strong values for higher academia and employability. While lower class is the expression used to categorise people who cope with minimal earnings. Economic stratification uses social ranking to determine a group's connection to opportunities in life.