Social stratification

different types of social stratification based on class, caste and gender is described in this ppt.

1. Meaning Social stratification is a particular form of social inequality. All societies arrange their members in terms of superiority, inferiority and equality. Stratification is a process of interaction or differentiation whereby some people come to rank higher than others. In one word, when individuals and groups are ranked, according to some commonly accepted basis of valuation in a hierarchy of status levels based upon the inequality of social positions, social stratification occurs. Social stratification means division of society into different strata or layers. It involves a hierarchy of social groups. Members of a particular layer have a common identity. They have a similar life style. Social stratification involves two phenomena ( i ) differentiation of individuals or groups on the basis of possession of certain characteristics whereby some individuals or groups come to rank higher than others, (ii) the ranking of individuals according to some basis of evaluation.

2. Social stratification Social stratification is the condition of being arranged in a social strata or classes within a group. It is a system by which a society divides people and ranks them in categories . These categories are then placed in a hierarchy. This is shown by a pyramid where most fortunate ones are placed at the topmost level. Stratification is the strait of every society in every part of the world. Stratification in the Indian society is based on ascription. It is a type of culture in which not on the basis of achievement , but could involve inequality on the basis of grender , economical system and caste system.

3. Definitions: Ogburn and Nimkoff : ‘The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in more or less enduring hierarchy of status is known as stratification” 2. Lundberg: “A stratified society is one marked by inequality, by differences among people that are evaluated by them as being “lower” and “higher”. 3. Gisbert : “Social stratification is the division of society into permanent groups of categories linked with each other by the relationship of superiority and subordinations ”.

4. Characteristics of Social Stratification: (a) Social stratification is universal: There is no society on this world which is free from stratification. Modern stratification differs from stratification of primitive societies. It is a worldwide phenomenon. According to Sorokin “all permanently organized groups are stratified.” (b) Stratification is social: It is true that biological qualities do not determine one’s superiority and inferiority. Factors like age, sex, intelligence as well as strength often contribute as the basis on which statues are distinguished. But one’s education, property, power, experience, character, personality etc. are found to be more important than biological qualities. Hence, stratification is social by nature. (c) It is ancient: Stratification system is very old. It was present even in the small wondering bonds. In almost all the ancient civilizations, the differences between the rich and poor, humble and powerful existed. During the period of Plato and Kautilya even emphasis was given to political, social and economic inequalities .

5. Characteristics of Social Stratification: (d) It is in diverse forms: The forms of stratification is not uniform in all the societies. In the modern world class, caste and estate are the general forms of stratification. In India a special type of stratification in the form of caste is found. The ancient Aryas were divided into four varnas : the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The ancient Greeks were divided into freemen and slaves and the ancient Romans were divided into the particians and the plebians . So every society, past or present, big or small is characterized by diversed forms of social stratification. (e) Social stratification is Consequential: Social stratification has two important consequences one is “life chances” and the other one is “life style”. A class system not only affects the “life- chances” of the individuals but also their “life style”. The members of a class have similar social chances but the social chances vary in every society. It includes chances of survival and of good physical and mental health, opportunities for education, chances of obtaining justice, marital conflict, separation and divorce etc.

6. Types of Social Stratification Social stratification is based upon a variety of principles. So we find different type of stratification. The major types of stratification are ( i ) Caste (ii) Class (iii) Estate (iv) Slavery v) Gender.

7. Caste is a hereditary endogamous social group in which a person’s rank and its accompanying rights and obligations are ascribed on the basis of his birth into a particular group. For example-Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudra Caste. (ii) Class-Stratification on the basis of class is dominant in modern society. In this, a person’s position depends to a very great extent upon achievement and his ability to use to advantage the inborn characteristics and wealth that he may possess .

8. Stratification and Caste: Under the caste system status is hereditary. It is based on birth, it is purely an ascribed status. Once such positions are assigned, they can not advance and improve their social status in any way. Hence, caste as a major type of social stratification does not facilitate vertical social mobility. They are hereditary system of ranking groups of people which is supported and dictated by religious belief. It is an ascribed status, fixed and immobile system found in India. Social Stratification and Class: A class is a large scale grouping of people who share common economic resources , which strongly influence the types of life style they are able to read. Ownership of wealth, together with occupation, are the chief bases of class differences. Upper class ,middle class and lower class are the three types of classes that usually exist in a society. Class is an “open” system. Under this system vertical mobility is absolutely free. Movement from one status to another has no barrier. Status is based on achievement. It is determined by the talents, wealth, money, intelligence, power, education, income, etc. of a person. There is no inheritance of parental status.

9. Gender: Like caste and class gender is another kind of social stratification system. Gender , perhaps is the oldest and permanent source of social differentiation. But within the broad hierarchy of caste and class, gender cuts across caste and class. In present day Indian society caste, class and gender are dynamic phenomena which vary between groups, communities and regions . Recent years have witnessed a thorough and widespread discussion on gender. It has claimed critical address within gender as a con cept and as a set of practices has occurred during the last three decades.

10. Stratification in Indian society Stratification in an Indian society is based on ascription. It means it is a type of culture in which not on the basis of achievement. It could involve inequality on the basis of gender, economical status and caste system. Thus here, in an Indian society, people are placed in the stratification system by their ascribed status and the ideology is to follow the caste rules without questioning its credibility. Such a system is a classic example of closed Social Mobility. While the caste system depicts Closed Social Mobility, the Class system reflects Open Social Mobility. In a class system, even blood relatives may have different social status where one can move up and around the hierarchy based on personal merit and achievements. When stratification is done on the basis of wealth or income, a lot of mobility and fluidity is observed. No caste or class difference is observed. According to Davis Moore, "stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of a society. When certain job can be performed by anyone, some other job demands the scarce talent of people with extensive training". So, the greater the demand of a job, the more importance it is given and thus more reward is attached with it.

11. The Caste System and Social Stratification : The caste system as a concept stemmed out of Hinduism where in each member of society was divided into four categories namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas , Vaishyas and Shudras . Each caste held a position or status according to the role it played for the overall benefit of society. The Brahmins were the teachers. They were the keepers of knowledge and wisdom. They were peace loving and righteous. They held the highest status in society. The Kshatriyas were the protectors of society. It was their duty to protect people and fight with courage for their country. They were noble and heroic and were second in terms of status in society. Next came the Vaishyas who engaged in trade, agriculture and rearing of cattle. The lowest in the caste in the society was that of the Shudras whose work was that of service and entertainment to society

12. The specific role of education in addressing the needs of the marginalized groups To empower the marginalised : education is a societal resource and a means to achieve egalitarianism • Given equal opportunity for general, vocational, technical and professional education most citizens have equal status in the society. Education is often considered as an equalizer. • Education brings about awareness of legal provisions that the marginalised can resort to in case of infringement of their rights. • To create awareness about various schemes that help to combat stratification eg : schemes for girl child • To sensitize society towards the impact of stratification • To create egalitarian minds by instilling human values • Education nurtures critical thinking, decision making and such vital life skills that will help to fight the ill effects of stratification • Education seeks to integrate the marginalised into the mainstream through common education system, compensatory education, Laws such as Right to Education Act • Role of Non formal education in providing equalization of educational opportunities.

13. Role of teacher/education to reduce the inequalities due to caste system in India Teacher should create the value of equality and humanity in the minds of pupils from early childhood . Teacher himself should not give special treatment to students belonging to particular caste . She should teach the students to respect all castes . Modern scientific and technological education should be given in curriculum . Emphasis should be given on the national spirit , national value should be inculcated among students . While teaching history teacher should not make any such comments that can create rift between different pupils belonging to different caste . Textbook must not hurt the sentiments of pupils belonging to different castes . Teacher should develop faith of students towards different provisions of the constitution. There should be no caste –barrier or preferences according to caste in any branch of education . Teacher should encourage child to take vocational courses as per their interest and not as their caste .

14. Role of education to reduce inequalities due to class system Classes may be held on healthy habits , personal and environmental cleanliness, eating habits etc . School can encourage the children to participate in discussions, recitation and storytelling . School should arrange remedial instructions for students coming from disadvantaged background . It can provide monitorial help to the deserving candidates . Teachers attitude towards students belonging to backward classes must be such as to build a congenial classroom climate . The teacher should be impartial and not discriminate between different classes of students . Teacher should never mention words which affect the sentiments of the students belonging to different classes . She should provide equal oppurtunities to all the students irrespective of their class . She should create awareness among the parents of the students relating to different schemes and provisions made by the govt . She should motivate the parents relating to education of girls in particular.

15. Role of education to reduce inequalities due to gender Objectivity of attitude and scientific temper should be inculcated among students to overcome all the superstitions related to gender discrimination . Males should be educated to respect their female counterparts in all walks of life . The female students should be made aware of their fundamental rights and encouraged to implement in their lives . Women liberation should be encouraged through education . The girls in schools should be mentally and physically prepared to become economically independent and to take up some or the other vocation in their lives . Equal opportunities should be provided to both the male and female students for technical and vocational education . Taking into consideration the level of education students of both the sexes should get equal oppurtunities in terms of access retention and future use of their training . In case of the smaller fraction of the population which can exercise the option of going for higher education, both girls and boys should be provided with equal oppurtunity to do the same according to merit . Admission should be open to all irrespective of gender, and should be made on the basis of merit and capability . Awareness should be created for the problems caused due to gender discrimination. Appropriate curriculum which caters to the needs of the different types of gender . Vocational training should be provided for girls and women to make them self reliant. Awareness should be created in terms of subjects and through different co-curricular activities.

16. Provisions And Schemes For Education Of The Marginalised Eklavya Model residential schools (EMRS) : The objective of EMRS is to provide quality middle and high level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors but also to have access to the best opportunities in education at par with the non ST population. • hostel facilities, educational loans, midday meals, reservations , scholarships • Ashram School…residential schools for ST (over 1600 ashram schools exist) Teachers from ST community. Sensitization programs for non ST teachers. Schools teach socially useful crafts • financial assistance to NGOs providing vocational training where 90% expenditure is reimbursed by government, • Scheme under National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation to upgrade entrepreneurial and technological skills of OBC • Reimbursement of fees for SC/ST students

17. Provisions And Schemes For Education Of The Marginalized Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship scheme for those pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D , National overseas scholarship scheme ..25 awards per yr to those pursuing specific fields of study . • National Backward Classes Finance & Devpt Corporation under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment--educational loan for those living below double poverty line( p.a Rs. 40,000 rural areas and Rs. 55,000 urban areas). • Shilp Sampada Scheme for upgrading technical and entrepreneurial skills give loans to artisans • EBC (income upto Rs one lakh a yr) Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) effective from 2014 thro Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

18. Women… 3600 Kasturba Gandhi Balika vidyalayas (residential schools for upper primary girls from SC, ST, OBC communities set up where schools are far from habitation. 75% seats for SC/ST/OBC and 25% for those BPL. ) , National programme for education of girls at elementary level for girls in educationally backward blocks , Kishori Shakti Yojana (vocational training for BPL girls between 15 to 18 yrs) Balika Smariddhi Yojana (scholarship for girls People in rural areas… Navodaya Vidyalayas , Dist Primary Education Programme (DPEP), RTE provision primary schools within 1 km . People in remote areas…. Residential schools, ODL, use of technology, Digital India project launched in Aug 2014 plans to increase connectivity with villages. In 2014 the Hemanand Biswal committee recommended developing local language textbooks and teaching children in their local language with a gradual shift to Hindi or English to address issue of high dropouts

19. Marginalization It is the process of making a group or class of people less important or relegated to a secondary position . When one class of people is grouped together as second class citizens, this is an example of marginalization . It is a process in which individuals or entire communities of people are systematically blocked from rights, oppurtunities and resources( housing,employment , healthcare,civic engagement,democratic participation etc.) that are normally available to members of society and which are key to social integration.

20. Concept of marginalization in Indian society “Marginalization comprises those processes by which individuals and groups are ignored or relegated to the sidelines of political debate, social negotiation, and economic bargaining—and kept there. Homelessness, age, language, employment status, skill, race, and religion are some criteria historically used to marginalize. Marginalized groups tend to overlap; groups excluded in one arena, say in political life, tend to be excluded in other arenas, say in economic status.”

21. The term marginalization refers to individual or groups who live at the margin of society. Their situations may be historical or cultural as they suspend between social classes or cultural groups, without being fully integrated to it. The term has different connotations and nuances in the modern era of post colonial, postmodern period and in a world that is predominantly driven by market forces. In cultural anthropology marginalization is a major subject of study in which ethnic groups and their social situations are studied. It may have various forms like class, caste, gender, community and so on at one level and at the other level groups who are subjected to economic and social hardships. These groups may still be marginalised at multiple levels in a country like India which has witnessed tremendous socio-political changes in both pre-independence and post independence perio d.