FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY
Course Code: SOC 2105
Sayeeda Zaman
Lecturer
Department of Sociology and Sustainable Development
Outline
1. SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
2. Characteristics of Social Stratification
3. SOCIAL Inequality
4. Determinants of Social Inequality and
Stratification
5. Problems of Social Inequality
6. Social Integration
7. Is Inequality an Obstacle to Social
Integration?
WHAT IS SOCIAL STRATIFICATION?
In sociology, social stratification refers to the systematic ranking or layering of people
within a society into a hierarchy.
In essence, society is divided into distinct "strata" (layers) based
on characteristics such as:
• Wealth & Income: Economic resources.
• Education: Level of schooling and qualifications.
• Occupation: Type of work and its prestige.
• Social Status/Prestige: Respect or honor associated with
one’s position.
• Power: Ability to influence others and achieve goals despite
resistance.
Characteristics of Social Stratification
Hierarchical Structure: Society is organized into layers, with
some groups above others.
Universal: Exists in all societies, though forms may differ
(class, caste, estate).
Inequality: Unequal distribution of wealth, power, and
prestige among strata.
Legitimized by Society: Social norms, values, and laws often
justify the hierarchy.
Influences Life Chances: Determines access to education,
jobs, healthcare, and social mobility.
Multidimensional: Based on multiple factors like class, status,
occupation, race, or gender.
WHAT IS SOCIAL Inequality?
Social inequality is the unequal distribution of resources, rights, opportunities, and privileges
among individuals or groups in a society. This includes disparities in wealth, income, education,
occupation, power, and social status.
Social inequality is a systemic issue, not just individual
differences, and appears in forms such as:
• Economic Inequality: Gaps in income and wealth.
• Gender Inequality: Unequal treatment based on
gender.
• Racial/Ethnic Inequality: Biases and differential
treatment by race or ethnicity.
• Status Inequality: Differences in respect or honor
affecting access to resources.
major problems are associated with social inequality
Poverty & Economic Disparities: Unequal access to wealth and resources
increases poverty among disadvantaged groups.
Discrimination & Marginalization: Certain groups face systemic exclusion
based on class, gender, race, or ethnicity.
Social and Political Instability: Erosion of trust, increased crime, and
political conflict.
Unequal Access to Education & Health: Disadvantaged groups often lack
opportunities, lowering quality of life.
Erosion of Social Cohesion: Inequality weakens trust, cooperation, and
social stability.
Determinants of Social Inequality and Stratification
Economic Factors
• Wealth & Income: Family wealth, earnings, and inheritance.
• Occupation: Prestige and rewards of jobs.
• Standard of Living: Access to housing, food, and essentials.
Social & Cultural Factors
• Race & Ethnicity: Systemic discrimination and historical bias.
• Gender: Wage gaps, roles, and underrepresentation.
• Age: Discrimination against young and old.
Power & Institutional Factors
• Political Influence & Power: Shapes policies to protect advantages.
• History: Past systems (caste, apartheid) affect current inequality.
• Social Networks & Cultural Capital: Family connections, skills, and knowledge provide
advantages.
How Social Structure Creates Inequality
• Unequal Resources: Wealth, income, land, and jobs
concentrated among privileged groups.
• Social Stratification: Class, caste, gender, and ethnicity
create hierarchical layers.
• Institutional Bias: Education, law, and health systems often
favor certain groups.
Education & Inequality
• Access to quality education varies by class and location.
• Elite schooling → better jobs → higher income.
• Rural and poor communities face persistent disadvantages.
How Social Structure Creates Inequality CONT’D
Economy & Inequality
• Job opportunities differ by class, gender, and region.
• Structural unemployment hits marginalized groups harder.
• Wage gaps exist across gender and class lines.
Gender & Social Structure
• Patriarchal norms restrict women's mobility, education, and power.
• Gender roles limit participation in decision-making.
• Results in wage gap, limited job opportunities, and fewer leadership roles.
Politics & Inequality
• Wealthier groups influence policy through lobbying, networks, and resources.
• Marginalized groups have limited political voice and representation.
Social Integration
Social integration
▪ a process where various groups are combined in order to make a unified society.
▪ ensuring all individuals can participate equally in society across social, economic,
and political dimensions.
▪ including community, individual network of social ties, and intimate relationships.
This concept applies to all levels of social life, including:
i. Small groups: families, peer groups, gangs, online communities
ii. Organizations: firms, government agencies, NGOs
iii. Communities: neighborhoods, religious groups, business networks,
ethnic communities
iv. Societies: national, regional (e.g., European society), or global society
Is Inequality an Obstacle to Social Integration?
Social inequality highlights the limits of social integration and persistent disparities
weaken trust, cooperation, and solidarity among members of society.
Reason
• Creates social distance
• Produces exclusion
• Sparks conflict and resentment
• Weakens social cohesion
• Blocks equal opportunity
• Reinforces stereotypes
• Creates unequal power
• Reduces trust in institutions
Thank You.