Outlining major social mobility concepts

Here is an overview of some of the key elements of the social hierarchy with a focus on class, status and power.

Throughout history, stratification has been shown to influence access to higher education, healthcare and job opportunities. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to understand what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key attribute of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and respect held by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to represent individuals who are born into a social standing. At present it can be determined by backgrounds such as aristocracy or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is earned through personal efforts, such as respected occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would identify the value of acquired status. Status can have an impact check here on the levels of regard and acknowledgment received by people in society.

The idea of stratification helps to comprehend why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory helps sociologists to study inequality and how it affects various groups within society. Authority and impact are two of the aspects that comprise societal power. The term power defines one's capability to affect decisions and authority within society. It can be related to 3 key areas. Political power is possessed by administrations and political leaders who control the laws that regulate society. Additionally, economic power is held by corporations and rich people who have control over employment and industry. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a form of authority over social opinion. Famous people and media figures are involved in setting trends and customs which influence society. Power is primarily focused among wealthy and popular individuals. Without some form of social dominance, it is difficult to assert power or control.

The social hierarchy is a principle which explains the way in which society is sorted into various groups. Each society includes different types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is among the most recognised components of the social hierarchy. An individual's class is mainly based on financial aspects such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the term used to characterise the set of more affluent individuals. Usually acquired through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these individuals hold considerable financial power. Consequently, middle class relates to people with moderate wealth. Usually, middle class people copyright professional occupations and credentials. They have strong appreciation for tertiary academia and employability. While lower class is the expression used to recognise people who struggle with minimal earnings. Economic stratification uses class to determine a group's access to opportunities in life.