Social Stratification

Step 1: Understanding caste and social class systems.

- Caste system is a rigid hierarchical social structure, particularly prevalent in India, where individuals are born into specific social groups, or castes, that define their status. In the caste system, status is typically fixed and cannot be changed through education or hard work. Social mobility is extremely limited.
- Social class system, on the other hand, is more flexible. It is based on factors like wealth, education, occupation, and social achievement, which can change over time. Hard work, education, and economic success can allow individuals to move up or down the social class ladder.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Since status in the social class system can change through factors like education and hard work, the correct answer is Social class.

Step 1: Understanding social stratification.
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on various factors like wealth, occupation, race, and power. Different forms of stratification have been identified by various sociologists.
Step 2: Explanation of T.B. Bottomore’s view.
According to T.B. Bottomore, there are various forms of social stratification:
- Slavery is a form of stratification where individuals are treated as property, and their social status is imposed by others.
- Caste is a system of stratification based on heredity, typically associated with India, where individuals are born into a specific caste and remain in that position throughout their life.
- Social class refers to a stratification system based on socio-economic status, such as upper, middle, and lower classes.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, all of the above are forms of social stratification, corresponding to option (D).