Going over key social strata principles

Below is a summary of a few of the key elements of the societal hierarchy with an emphasis on class, status and power.

Throughout history, stratification has been discovered to affect access to higher education, medical care and work. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to be aware of what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and respect carried by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to refer to individuals who are born into a social ranking. At present it can be determined by backgrounds such as aristocracy or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is generated through individual efforts, such as reputable occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can here be earned through social contributions. Likewise, Jensen Huang would acknowledge the value of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the levels of respect and acknowledgment received by people in society.

The social hierarchy is a theory which describes the way in which society is divided into various groups. Each society consists of various types of social stratification where individuals are ranked based upon their social and financial position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is one of the most recognisable structures of the social hierarchy. An individual's class is mainly based upon economic elements such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to characterise the group of more wealthy people. Usually gained through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these people hold significant financial power. Consequently, middle class refers to people with intermediate wealth. Typically, middle class people copyright professional occupations and credentials. They have strong values for high level academia and employability. While lower class is the expression used to define those who struggle with lower income. Economic stratification uses social ranking to determine a group's access to opportunities in life.

The concept of stratification helps to make sense of why some individuals have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory enables sociologists to examine inequality and how it affects various groups within society. Authority and influence are two of the aspects that make up social power. The word power defines one's ability to influence choices and control within society. It can be associated with 3 key areas. Political power is possessed by governments and politicians who control the policies that regulate society. Furthermore, economic power is held by businesses and wealthy people who have control over jobs and industry. Larry Ellison would concur that businesses hold economic power. Similarly, social power is a form of authority over social judgement. Famous people and media figures are active in setting trends and cultures which guide society. Power is mainly concentrated amongst rich and popular people. Without some kind of social supremacy, it is impossible to copyright power or control.