Social Stratification.pptx

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1. SOCIAL S TRATIFICATION Outline of topic:- Meaning , Definition Basis of Social stratification Forms of Social stratification. Dr. A.K.Paswan Asstt.Professor,Deptt.of Extn.Edu . T.C.A,Dholi ( Muzaffarpur )

2. Meaning & definitions The term stratification is taken from the Geology which refers to different layers of so i l or rock. As stratum earth surface consisting of various strata, each of which are distinguish from the other. Similarly society consists of several layers of certain criteria, according to which they have been categorised. The process by which individual and groups are ranked in more or less enduring hierarchy status is known as social stratification.

3. Social stratification is a horizontal division of society into higher and lower social units- Raymand W. Murary . Social stratification is the division of population into two or more layers, each of which is relatively homogeneous and between which there are differences in privileges (opportunities), restrictions, rewards and obligations – Lundberg ( 1968) Hence it is clear from the above definition that inequality of status or rank differentiation is the distinguishing feature of social stratification, where there is social stratification there is social inequality.

4. Basis of social stratification Society can be stratified into two basis:- Biological basis and Socio-cultural basis 1.Biological basis :- It includes- Age, sex, birth, race, & Intelligence ability. 2. Socio-cultural basis: On the basis of socio-cultural society divided into following categories:- Wealth: Its quantity& quality, living standard Functional ability of individual i.e Education, Occupation, Skill etc. Religion: The kind and degree of religion professed and practiced. Ancestry: It refers to family reputation, length of residence in the area, legitimacy, racial or ethnic background.

5. Forms of social stratification In recent time there are two forms of social stratification- 1. Closed stratification:- Caste system 2. Open stratification:- Class system

6. Caste Caste:- The term ‘ Caste ’ was derived from the Portuguese or Spanish word ‘ casta ’ meaning lineage, breed or race. Although in India the term ‘Verna’ is used to apply caste i.e - Bramins , Kshstriya , Vashya and Sudra . A caste is a social category whose members are assigned a permanent status within a given social hierarchy and whose contacts are restricted accordingly – Lundberg. When a class is somewhat strictly heredity we may called it as caste – Cooley

7. Characteristics of rigid caste system: Member of caste can not wed outside their caste. For many caste the occupation is fixed. Restriction for partaking of food with member of other caste. There are some occupied stratification among the caste in which Bramins have been accorded the best place at the top. Birth determine the caste of individual for his entire life so long as he/ she ca not extradited from it. There is no either possible way of transmitting from one caste to other.

8. Features of caste in India today Restriction on food habit have been relaxed. Caste is not very much associated with hereditary occupation. Exogamy( Inter-caste or Inter religion marriage) The constitution of India removed and made all cate are equal. Caste Panchyat have either become very week. Touchable or untouchable is not felt among literate people. The influence of caste system is slowly decreasing. Industrialization, Urbanisation Westernisation etc. change the roe of caste system

9. Merit and Demerit of caste system Merits :- Sprit of cooperation Define economic pursuit Racial purity Influence intellectual make –up Providing for various functions Division of labour Demerits:- Denies mobility of labour Untouhabilty Wrong man occupation Obstacle to national unity Obstacle to social progress Solidarity retarded.

10. Social class system & status Status :- basic criterion of social class. Each particular class has its own particular social behaviour. It is culturally defined group that is accorded a particular position of status whether the population as whole. The relative position of the class in the society arises from the degree of prestige attached to the society. Criteria of class distinction is based on, birth, wealth occupation polity or of education

11. Definition of Class The term Class means a number of individuals in the same society whose status is similar . Social status refers to positions of individual or group in relation to other. As sociological concept, social status is the difference between higher and lower. According to Maciver a social class is any portion of a community marked off from the rest of social status. A social class has been defined as an abstract category of persons arranged on levels according to social status they posses. There are no firm lines dividing one category from another - Rogers ( 1960.)

12. Function of social class 1.Simplification : In a society we deal with many strangers all of whose characteristics we cannot possibly know. Therefore, we resort to the practice of classifying them and reacting to them as member of class. 2.Motivation and coordination: The prestige which to be accorded to them enables a class to perform more readily the functions exploited of its.

13. Difference between Caste and Class system Caste System 1 . Membership of caste is based on birth 2. There is closed stratification in, that a person can not rise above his caste 3. Generally caste system does hinder democracy 4. In caste system there are comparatively more strict restriction in marriage 5. Comparatively more social distance 6. Caste system is rigid 7. Ascribed Class System 1. The membership, status, standard of living of life etc. are based on objective facts 2. There is open stratification in class, that a person can change his class. 3. Generally class system does not hinder the democracy. 4. An individual has comparatively freedom in a class 5 .Possession of valued objects increases as caste position increases (Comparatively less social distance) 6 . Class system is flexible 7. Achieved

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