Kerrostumisjärjestelmä

Kerrostumisjärjestelmä, often translated as stratification system, refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society based on various factors. These factors can include socioeconomic status, occupation, education, wealth, power, or social standing. A kerrostumisjärjestelmä creates distinct social layers or strata, with individuals in higher strata generally possessing more resources and privileges than those in lower strata.

Societies worldwide exhibit varying degrees of stratification. In some, the stratification is relatively fluid, allowing for social mobility, meaning individuals can move between different strata. In others, stratification is more rigid, with social position largely determined by birth and offering little opportunity for upward movement. The specific criteria for stratification and the extent of social mobility are key characteristics that differentiate various types of kerrostumisjärjestelmiä.

Understanding the kerrostumisjärjestelmä of a society is crucial for analyzing social inequalities, power dynamics, and access to opportunities. Sociologists study these systems to understand how social structures influence individual lives and societal development. The persistence and nature of stratification are ongoing subjects of research and debate in social sciences.