Types of stratification

1. Types of stratification Learning objective: To know the various types of stratification In a small group complete the following tasks: Make a list or criteria that you think should be used to stratify or divide people up in Britain. Rank your list in order of what you think are the most to least important criteria.

2. Types of stratification The principles used to stratify people change over time and can vary between societies. For example, slavery was, historically a common form of stratification, and a major division between people was whether or not they were free. Areas such as age, gender, ethnic origin and social class have also been used as ways to rank people according to their access to wealth, power and prestige.

3. Systems of stratification Ascription – Your position in society is ascribed to you at birth – for example you are born into a family that owns a chain of hotels or a family of farmers. Achievement – what you achieve throughout your lifetime – for example through hard work, education, marriage or winning the lottery.

4. Case studies: Systems of stratification The caste system (traditionally found in India), was based on ascription, where a person is born into a particular caste – the system is closed with little or no social mobility, and contact between members of different castes are frowned upon.

5. Where would the following people go, according to the caste system?

6. Apartheid Apartheid in South Africa (1948-1994) was based on the government of racial segregation. It applied to all aspects of society, as well as access to education, housing and employment was also segregated according to whether a person was white or black. Under apartheid, a person’s social position was ascribed at birth. Black people were denied the citizenship rights and opportunities available to white people, So their life chances were much worse.

7. How is modern Britain Stratified? In Britain social class is seen as the main form of stratification. Social class is based on economic factors such as income. This form of stratification is open, as a person’s social class can be achieved and social mobility is possible.

8. Task In the table below, write down the differences and similarities between the caste, apartheid and class

9. Task Identify and explain one form of differentiation apart from social class (4 marks) Identify and explain two differences between social class and apartheid (4 marks) Why might basing status on ascription rather than achievement be seen as unfair (4 marks)