Listed below you will find an examination of the main aspects that make up the social hierarchy in . today's society.
The social hierarchy is a theory which explains the way in which society is sorted into various groups. Each society consists of different types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is among the most recognisable forms of the social hierarchy. A person's social ranking is predominantly based upon economic aspects such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to describe the group of more affluent individuals. Usually acquired through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these individuals hold considerable economic power. Consequently, middle class pertains to people with intermediate wealth. Typically, middle class individuals have professional occupations and qualifications. They have strong appreciation for high level academia and employability. Whereas lower class is the expression used to recognise those who cope with minimal income. Economic stratification uses social ranking to recognise a group's access to opportunities in society.
The idea of stratification helps to make sense of why some individuals have more power than others. Comprehending social stratification theory helps sociologists to study inequality and how it impacts distinct groups within society. Authority and impact are two of the factors that comprise societal power. The term power represents one's capability to influence decisions and authority within society. It can be related to three key areas. Political power is possessed by governments and political leaders who regulate the laws that govern society. Furthermore, financial power is held by businesses and wealthy people who have control over employment and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would concur that corporations hold economic power. Likewise, social power is a type of authority over societal opinion. Celebrities and media figures are active in setting trends and customs which influence society. Power is primarily concentrated amongst wealthy and popular people. Without some form of social dominance, it is impossible to assert power or influence.
Throughout history, stratification has been discovered to affect access to higher education, medical care and employment. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to be conscious of what guides opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it refers to the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to refer to people who are born into a social ranking. Today it can be determined by backgrounds such as aristocracy or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is created through personal efforts, such as highly regarded occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can be attained through social contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would recognise the importance of acquired status. Status can have an influence on the degrees of regard and acknowledgment received by individuals in society.