Stratification - A Level Sociology Definition

What is stratification?

Stratification in A Level Sociology refers to the structured ranking of individuals and groups in society based on factors such as social class, income, wealth, power, status, and ethnicity. It represents a system of social inequality where resources and opportunities are distributed unevenly, leading to hierarchical layers within society. 

Sociologists study different forms of stratification, including class, caste, gender, and race, to understand how these divisions affect life chances, social mobility, and access to resources. Theories of stratification, such as those proposed by Marx and Weber, explore the causes and consequences of social inequality, as well as how it is maintained and challenged over time.