Back to: Sociological Foundations of Education B.ed Notes, M.A Notes, IGNOU Notes
Role of Education in Social stratification and Social mobility
In a communal organization, education has a significant impact on social stratification and social mobility. Education has been a part of human life since the dawn of time. One of the most important factors in defining one’s social surroundings is education. That is, education has the potential to improve one’s social standing.
Education is indeed inextricably related to the ideas of popular democracy. Education, of course, is valued by progressives for the chance it affords for individuals to improve their skills and propensities. Education, on the other hand, has long been viewed as a tool of social equality.
Definition of Social stratification:
What do you mean by social stratification?
The structure through which society categories and ranks people is known as social stratification. This rating is determined by a number of characteristics, including ethnicity, education, revenue, profession, social standing, and political influence. When compared to those in lower ranks, people in higher ranks are more likely to have access to different resources and enjoy greater benefits. Furthermore, every society has a framework of stratification. The social stratification in most Western nations is based on money and employment. In such cultures, there are three classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the lower class.
What are the main principles of social stratification?
Social stratification is based on four major principles:
- Over decades, social stratification remains.
- It is universal (found in all societies), yet it is also varied (the system of stratification varies across time and place).
- It is a societal characteristic rather than a representation of individual variations.
- Inequality, as well as ideas and attitudes, are all factors in stratification.
What are the types of social stratification?
The closed system and the open system are the two basic forms of social stratification structures.
- Closed systems have a high degree of rigidity and do not permit shifts in social status. A person’s social position is determined by their ascribed status, or the social position they inherit by birth.
Example: The Indian caste system divides individuals into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Representatives of the castes are not permitted to associate with or find love in other castes, nor is it permissible to change castes.
- But on the other hand, an open system offers more flexibility and freedom. In many modern nations, the class system is an open structure. In an open society, people can transfer from one group to another depending on their accomplishments.