Stratification

 In this chapter, we are going to talk about Stratification. From dictionary definition, Stratification means the hierarchical arrangement of people in a society. The most important cause of stratification is inequality. According to Wikibooks Inequality means people have unequal access to scarce and valued resources in society. These resources might be economic or political, such as health care, education, jobs, property and land ownership, housing, and ability to influence government policy.

There are three main dimensions how stratification difined. The three things are Power, Property, and Prestige. First, power is divided into two parts. Legitimate power is authority, and illegitimate power is coercion. Secondly Property, as used in this context, refers to the sum total of one’s possessions as well as their regular income. Finally Prestige used to be associated with one's family name, but for most people in developed countries, prestige is now generally tied to one's occupation.


The origins of inequality can be found in the transition from hunter/gatherer societies to horticultural/pastoralist societies. Fast forward many millennia later to just before Industrialization began. In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, there was collectivity in the space and land in Europe. The concept of private taking and private property began to flourish in the late 15th century beginning in Europe and spreading around the world. And then Today, the right to private property is an important value in most societies. With deregulation, privatization, and free trade, we continue to see a private taking and private ownership of entities once shared by everyone.