societal stratification

Societal stratification is the organized way a society ranks people into different layers or groups based on factors like wealth, occupation, education, and social status. This structure influences opportunities, access to resources, and life chances, often leading to disparities between groups. For example, some people might have more money and influence, while others have less. These layers can be persistent over generations, shaping social interactions and mobility. Societal stratification helps explain how societies maintain order and how inequalities are created and sustained over time.