stratifikaationa

Stratifikaatio is a Finnish term that translates to stratification in English. It refers to the process of dividing a population or a group into distinct layers or strata based on certain characteristics. These characteristics can include socioeconomic status, age, gender, education level, occupation, or geographical location. The purpose of stratification is often to understand the diversity within a population, to ensure representation in surveys or studies, or to analyze how different groups experience phenomena in distinct ways.

In research, particularly in sociology and market research, stratification is a common sampling technique. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and then randomly selecting participants from each stratum. This ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented in the sample, leading to more precise and reliable results, especially when comparing different strata. For example, a political poll might stratify the electorate by age groups to ensure that the opinions of younger and older voters are both captured accurately.

Beyond research, stratification is also a key concept in sociology when discussing social stratification. This refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige. Societies are often described as stratified, meaning they are divided into different social classes or layers, with varying levels of access to resources and opportunities. Stratifikaatio, in this context, describes the structure and dynamics of these social layers.