Social stratification and mobility

Social stratification and mobility - are important elements in the existence of any society.Let's try to see more of these definitions.Social stratification - a definite hierarchical system, vertical, emerging from different classes and strata of the population.Even in ancient times people have noticed that the division of labor leads to greater productivity.There are various statuses and classes of people.That is, there was social inequality, which is the basis for stratification.However, not all so simple.

Social stratification and mobility - this is the system, the structure of which is sufficient variability.Karl Marx believed that the basis for the emergence of a vertical ownership of property.He divided people not three, as now assumed, but two main layers.In his writings, he singled out the class of property owners, in particular, it is the bourgeoisie, slave owners and feudal lords, and the proletariat, which include people selling their labor.Over time, the approach to the theory of Karl Marx vertical start counting rather narrow and not so universal.

theory of social stratification and social mobility was also developed by Max Weber.He greatly expanded the number of attributes, focusing on the person that can be attributed to one or another class.In particular, the criteria such as income, property ownership, political affiliation, social prestige.

Considered vertical is supported by a variety of mechanisms.In the past, they were tough enough.The transition from one class to another was virtually impossible.I observe the principle of continuity.For example, a person born in the family servant, could only be a slave.At the moment, social stratification and mobility are characterized by softer mechanisms.In today's world, people can move without hindrance from one class to another.However, such a transition will require a lot of effort.In particular, this commitment, self-improvement, a certain ability, educational level.

It is worth noting that a strong social stratification can lead to a constant increase in tension in the poorest strata of society, and as a result, the revolution.To prevent such negative situations, there is a universal mechanism - the predominance of the middle class.That is, when a large percentage of people in general, satisfied with their economic situation, reduced the risk of revolutions due to the smaller number of the discontented.

social stratification and social mobility may vary in structure.However, there are also similarities.Social mobility - a change of man's social status.It is divided into two main categories.Vertical level can be both ascending and descending.For example, moving up the career ladder, or the ruin of the company.Horizontal level refers to the movement of an individual within a social group.For example, change of profession, moving to another city.

mobility and can be divided on a different principle.Here, too, there are two main categories.Intergenerational mobility - this change in their social status in relation to the parents.For example, a man from a poor family becomes a banker.There is also a intragenerational mobility.This definition refers to changing the status of an individual during his lifetime.It could also be a transition from the physical to the intellectual activity, or vice versa.

In general, social stratification and mobility - it is a positive development because the appearance of incentives for people to develop and grow professionally.