Notes Class 11 Chapter 7 Sociology Maharashtra Board

Social Stratification

Introduction

• Societies are heterogeneous, divided into various strata or groups based on social systems of division and stratification.
• Social Stratification: The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring hierarchy of status. It refers to structured inequalities between groups in society, arising from unequal distribution of resources, power, and prestige.
• Social Inequality: Socially created inequalities that distinguish stratification from mere social differentiation (horizontal divisions) or division (vertical hierarchical ranking).

7.1 Social Stratification: Definitions and Characteristics

7.1.1 Definitions

1. Oxford Dictionary: “The division of society into strata based on social position or class.”
2. Pascual Gisbert: “Social stratification is the division of society into permanent groups or categories linked with each other by the relationship of superiority and subordination.”
3. Harry Johnson: “Social stratification is the process in which layers of persons or groups are ranked differently so that any one stratum contains many persons or groups of roughly the same rank.”

7.1.2 Basic Characteristics of Social Stratification

1. Social Nature: Stratification is a societal feature, not a result of individual or biological differences. It is influenced by social norms, sanctions, and interconnected with political, economic, and religious systems.
2. Persistence Over Generations: Social status is inherited from parents, maintaining inequality across generations.
3. Universality with Variability: Found in all societies, but the nature and extent of inequality differ (e.g., caste in India vs. class in Western societies).
4. Involves Inequality: Stratified systems distribute resources unevenly, justifying this as fair within societal norms (e.g., higher castes having more privileges).
5. Consequential: Affects all aspects of life, including life chances (opportunities) and lifestyles (cultural practices), with positive or negative outcomes based on one’s position.

7.2 Types of Social Stratification

Types of Stratification

1. Closed Stratification: No freedom to change social strata; status is fixed by birth with no social mobility. Examples include the Varna and caste systems in India.
2. Open Stratification: Allows mobility between strata based on factors like power, property, intelligence, and skills. The class system (upper, middle, lower) in modern industrial societies is an example.

7.2.1 Caste System

Definition and Origin: Derived from the Spanish word “casta” (breed/race), applied by Portuguese to Indian “jati.” A closed system where status is ascribed by birth.

Definitions:

1. H. H. Risley: “Caste is a collection of families bearing a common name, claiming descent from a mythical ancestor, following hereditary calling, forming a homogeneous community.”
2. George Lundberg: “A caste is a rigid social class into which members are born, with extreme difficulty to escape.”
3. S. V. Ketkar: “A caste is a group where membership is by birth only, with no external entry allowed.”

Characteristics (G. S. Ghurye):

1. Segmental Division: Society splits into hereditary castes, status determined by birth, not wealth or vocation.
2. Hierarchy: Based on “purity and pollution,” ranking castes as superior or inferior (varies by region).
3. Restrictions on Feeding and Social Intercourse: Rules enforce separation, reinforced by purity/pollution notions.
4. Differential Privileges and Disabilities: Higher castes enjoy privileges; lower castes face restrictions.
5. Restricted Occupation: Hereditary occupations tied to specific castes.
6. Endogamy: Marriage restricted within the caste/sub-caste.

Modern Changes: Caste is evolving, with some characteristics weakening due to education and urbanization.

7.2.2 Class

Definition: A group of people with similar social status, regarded as equals, sharing values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Basis: Achieved status (not ascribed), determined by wealth, occupation, education, and prestige.

Definitions:

1. Ogburn and Nimkoff: “A social class is one or two broad groups ranked as superior or inferior by the community.”
2. Max Weber: “Classes are aggregates with the same opportunities for goods and standard of living.”
3. Morris Ginsberg: “A class is a group with common descent, occupation, wealth, and education, sharing a similar lifestyle and ideas.”

Characteristics:

1. Wealth and Income: Upper class distinguished by substantial wealth, though status isn’t always income-proportional (e.g., a mechanic may earn more than a teacher but have lower status).
2. Occupation: High-status professions (e.g., doctors, engineers) rank higher than labor-intensive jobs.
3. Education: Higher education enables upward mobility and influences class rank.
4. Prestige: Respect for an occupation, influenced by family background, kinship, and residence.

Pierre Bourdieu’s Contribution: Highlights four types of capital (economic, social, cultural, symbolic) sustaining upper-class dominance.

7.2.3 Gender

Definition: Gender stratification is the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege between sexes, a universal basis of stratification.

Sex vs. Gender: Sex is biological (male/female); gender is a social construct (masculinity/femininity), learned through socialization (e.g., toys like cars for boys, dolls for girls).

Gender Discrimination: Stemming from sexism (belief in male superiority) and patriarchy (male dominance), women receive fewer resources globally.

Examples for Analysis:

• Economy: Lower pay, unpaid domestic work (e.g., childcare).
• Polity: Fewer women in power roles or leadership.
• Crime: Lower female crime rates, different legal handling.
• Religion: Few female gods or leaders, restrictions on women.
• Family: Gendered division of labor (e.g., women as primary caregivers).
• Health: Women’s health issues often neglected.

Traditional Traits: Feminine (submissive, nurturing) vs. Masculine (dominant, brave), though these are challenged today.

7.3 Social Mobility

Definition: Movement or change in an individual’s or group’s social position.

Types:

1. Horizontal Mobility: Job or residence change without status shift (e.g., a doctor becoming a professor).
2. Vertical Mobility: Upward or downward status change (e.g., a clerk becoming a manager).
3. Intergenerational Mobility: Status change between generations (e.g., a laborer’s child becoming a doctor).
4. Intragenerational Mobility: Status change within one’s lifetime (e.g., a teacher becoming a principal).

Summary

• Societies are stratified into strata based on caste, class, or gender.
• Caste: Closed system, based on birth, with no mobility.
• Class: Open system, based on achievement, allowing mobility.
• Gender: Universal stratification, favoring men over women.
• Social Mobility: Movement between strata, enhancing or reducing status.