Social stratification is the hierarchal social standing of people in the society. In this hierarchal system some people stand on the top of social class ladder and some stand in the middle and some at the bottom. The position of an individual is determined by the following factors, cast, power, occupation, wealth and race. The geological term stratification is best way to visualize the social structure of society. In geology the term stratification refer to the vertical lines in the rock. Society comprises of different layers of people, and the resources are distributed unequally among them. Those who have more resources are at the top and those who have less resources represents the bottom layer of society. Social classes exist in every society and social strata’s are formed and reinforced by the society as whole, on the basis of group membership and cast.
The factors which determine stratification differ in dissimilar societies. In some society the wealth is considered as a benchmark for stratification. Those who have more economic resources which include salary, dividends, capital etc. are at the top tier of social hierarchy. In some society wiser people are given more consideration compare to the rich, in such societies stratification is done on the basis of prestige. Therefore, cultural norms of the society plays vital role in social stratification. Sociologist have distinguished two types of social stratification, which are as follow, close systems and open systems.
Closed System
Closed system is the social settings in which an individual is not able to change his status and move to the other tier of social hierarchy. Cast system is the best example of closed system, in India roles of an individuals are decided on the basis of cast. Most working class people belong to the untouchables and their status do not change because they marry with in their cast. Moreover, they do not have resources to change their current status and move to the other layer of social hierarchy. Even if somehow they manage to become economically prosper, they will still be considered as inferior. Some casts are considered inferior and some are considered superior in India.
Open System
Open system is the social setting in which an individual is able to change his social status and move to the other level of social hierarchy. Class system is the good example of open system. In class system people are allowed to change their social status by receiving high level of education and white color job. People are free to marry anyone they like. For example on 29 April 2011, prince William got married with a commoner named Catharine. In England the commoner are at bottom of social hierarchy and duke is at the top. Which means that Catharine moved from the bottom of social class ladder to the top by marrying duke of England.
