An Analysis of Social Stratification's Role in the Legal Decisions of Eric Blair in the Book "The Brothel Boy and Other Parables of the Law" by Norval Morris
Social stratification is the division of any society into distinct social classes or strata based on different economic, social, and political status This structure of inequality has been found in nearly all societies throughout human history. It is generally believed that the higher a person’s social status is, the more access they will have to resources, such as access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other benefits.
In today’s world, social stratification remains a common form of societal organization. To illustrate, here are five countries that have a strong focus on social stratification:
1. India: India is a great example of an extreme case of social stratification. The traditional Hindu caste system divides people into four distinct classes: Brahman (the priestly class), Kshatriya (the warrior class), Vaisya (the merchant class), and Shudra (the laborer class). Additionally, the Indian constitution also promises “equal rights” to all citizens, regardless of caste.
2. China: Social stratification in China is based on the traditional Confucian system. This system separates people into four distinct categories: rulers and subjects, landlords and peasants, scholars and craftsmen, and merchants and shopkeepers.
3. United Kingdom: Social stratification in the United Kingdom is based more on wealth than on birth. Thus, the British system is characterized by class divisions, such as the elite, middle class, and working class.
4. United States: In the United States, social stratification is based on numerous factors, such as wealth, education, occupation, race, and gender. In the U.S., there are three distinct social classes: upper, middle, and lower.
5. France: In France, social stratification is largely determined by the education level of citizens. The French system is based on three tiers: the upper class, the intermediate class, and the working class. The upper class includes those with higher education, such as doctors and lawyers; the intermediate class includes those with middle-level education, such as teachers, and the working class includes those with lower education, such as manual laborers.
Overall, social stratification is still a very common form of organizing societies around the world. While these five countries have the most visible examples of social stratification, many other countries still have similar structures in place.