What is the Difference Between Social Stratification and Social Differentiation

The main difference between social stratification and social differentiation is that social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of people based on categories like ethnicity, class, education level, and gender while social differentiation is the distinction between social groups and persons on the basis of physiological, biological and sociocultural factors.

Social stratification and differentiation are two concepts that describe differences between individuals in society. In brief, social differentiation is the main phenomenon that results in social stratification.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Social Differentiation
– Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Social Stratification
– Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Difference Between Social Stratification and Social Differentiation
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Social Differentiation, Social Stratification

Social differentiation is the distinction between social groups and persons on the basis of physiological, biological and sociocultural factors, such as sex, age and ethnicity. Social differentiation exits in all societies and social groups. This is, in fact, the process by which social hierarchy or social stratification begins to develop within societies.

Moreover, inequality and power are two key concepts in social differentiation. According to the concept of social differentiation, people of different statuses have differential access to power. For example, if we look at a workplace, an employer has power over his employee. It is this idea of social status or social significance that creates social stratification.

Social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of people based on categories like ethnicity, class, occupation, education level, and gender. In other words, it is the emergence of separate classes or strata in the society. Moreover, individuals in higher ranks or those with higher social status are more likely to have access to various resources and enjoy more privileges when compared to those in lower ranks.

All societies have a system of stratification. Most western countries have social stratification based on wealth and income. In fact, there are three classes in such societies: upper class, middle class and lower class. Similarly, ancient societies possessed their own hierarchical systems. For example, ancient India used a caste system that categorized people according to castes whereas feudal societies possessed the three main divisions of royalty, nobility and peasants.

There are four main principles of social stratification:

Social stratification persists over generations.
It is universal (exists in every society), but variable (the system of stratification varies across time and place)
It is a trait of society, not just a reflection of individual differences.
Stratification involves inequality as well as beliefs and attitudes.

There are two main types of social stratification systems as closed systems and open systems.

Closed systems tend to be extremely rigid and does not allow changes in social positions. In such systems, social position is based on ascribed status, or social position you inherit at birth. Moreover, this was seen in many ancient societies.

Open system, on the other hand, allows more change and freedom. Furthermore, the class system we see in many modern societies is an open system. In an open society, there is a possibility to move from one class to another based on one’s achievements.

Definition

Social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of people based on categories like ethnicity, class, education level, and gender while social differentiation is the distinction between social groups and persons on the basis of physiological, biological and sociocultural factors.

Nature

Social differentiation is the differences between individuals in society or social groups. In contrast, social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of people based on social differentiation.

Conclusion

Reference:

1. Livesey, Chris, and Tony Lawson. “Stratification and Differentiation .” A2 Sociology for AQA, 2006.
2. “Social Stratification: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics: Sociology (2446 Words).” Your Article Library, 10 Dec. 2013, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pure Diversity, Mirta Toledo 1993” By Mirta Toledo – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Indian Caste System” By Giveaway285 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia