Social Stratification

Step 1: Meaning.
Social stratification refers to structured inequality in society where people are ranked in a hierarchy.

Step 2: Examples.
\begin{itemize} \item In India, caste system is a form of stratification. \item In modern societies, class (wealth, income, education) determines stratification. \end{itemize}

Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, stratification is a system of ranking people into layers with unequal access to resources and power.

Final Answer:

• Economic Basis: Unlike caste systems (based on birth/religion), class is primarily economic.
• Open System: It allows for social mobility. Individuals can move up or down the class ladder through achievement, education, or loss of wealth.
• Impersonal Relations: Relationships between classes are often contractual and less personal than in traditional systems.