Social Stratification refers to the divisions of society into a pattern of layers or strata made up of a hierarchy of social groups. Beteille notes social inequalities have existed even among small tribes. These stand in relation to advantage and disadvantage to one another in terms of features such as income, wealth occupation, race or sex, depending upon the stratification system. Those at the top of the stratification hierarchy will generally have more power than those at the bottom. Sociologists argue that some form of social stratification occurs in every society in the world , despite the fact that people have always dreamt of a society where everyone is equal.
All societies appear to distinguish between people and become more or less important that others.
A nuclear bomb has been tracked by NATO is ten minutes away from obliterating the earth. You are in the local council s bomb shelter with 14 others who were nearby when the alarm was sounded. You have been chosen to make the decision about who is to leave and who is to stay. Get into small groups and try to reach a unanimous verdict on who is to be allowed to remain and later form part of a new society. Here are the occupants of your shelter.