Systems of Social Stratification: Videos & Practice Problems

Sociologists differentiate social stratification systems by social mobility, distinguishing closed systems like the caste system, where status is ascribed and social mobility is minimal, from open systems such as class systems and meritocracies, which allow achieved status and social mobility through education and ability. Closed systems exhibit high status consistency across wealth, power, and prestige, while open systems show variability in these factors. Endogamy is common in closed systems, whereas open systems permit exogamy. Globally, societies trend toward open systems, reflecting shifts in social structure and class society dynamics.

Systems of Social Stratification

Sociologists categorize systems of social stratification based on their level of social mobility, which refers to the ability to change one's position within the social hierarchy. In a closed system, social mobility is extremely limited or nonexistent, meaning individuals are largely confined to the social class into which they were born. A classic example of a closed system is the caste system, historically seen in India, where social status is inherited and fixed at birth. Such systems often promote endogamous marriages, where individuals marry within their own social class, reinforcing and perpetuating social inequalities over generations.

In contrast, open systems allow for varying degrees of social mobility. One common form of an open system is the class system, prevalent in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Here, social position is influenced both by inherited status and individual ability, such as educational attainment or occupational success. This system enables people to move upward or downward in the social hierarchy based on merit and effort.

A more idealized form of open stratification is the meritocracy, where social status is determined solely by individual ability and achievement. Although no pure meritocracies exist at the societal level, this concept serves as a theoretical model emphasizing equal opportunity based on merit.

Open systems also increase the likelihood of exogamous marriages, where individuals marry across different social classes, potentially fostering greater social integration and mobility. However, such marriages are not guaranteed and depend on various social factors.

Globally, there is a noticeable trend toward more open systems of stratification, reflecting increased opportunities for social mobility and a gradual shift away from rigid, birth-based hierarchies. Understanding these systems highlights the complex interplay between social structure, individual agency, and the persistence or reduction of social inequalities.

Systems of Social Stratification Example 1

Social stratification systems can be categorized as either open or closed, each with distinct characteristics regarding social mobility and marriage patterns. Closed systems are characterized by little to no social mobility, meaning individuals typically remain within the social class they were born into. This lack of mobility is reinforced by endogamous marriages, where individuals marry within their own social class, maintaining the existing social hierarchy.

In contrast, open systems allow for greater social mobility, where movement between social classes is possible based on factors such as birth and individual ability. Open systems often feature exogamous marriages, which occur between different social classes, promoting social integration and change. A key feature of open systems is the presence of meritocracies, where social ranking is determined by merit or ability rather than solely by birth.

Both open and closed systems are forms of social stratification, which is the structured ranking of individuals in society. Understanding these systems highlights how social mobility and marriage patterns influence the persistence or transformation of social hierarchies.

Which country historically had a caste system?

• A. England.
• B. China.
• C. United States.
• D. India.

Answer: (D)

Status Consistency

Status consistency refers to the uniformity of an individual's social status across various factors of social stratification, such as wealth, income, education, power, and prestige. These factors collectively determine a person's position within the social hierarchy. In closed social systems, status consistency tends to be high, meaning an individual's rank is similar across all these dimensions. For example, a farmer in a closed system typically has low education, low wealth, and low power, reflecting a consistent low status. Conversely, a professor in the same system would likely have high education, wealth, and power, indicating a consistently high status.

In contrast, open social systems exhibit greater variability in status consistency. Individuals may have mixed rankings across different factors. For instance, a farmer might possess a higher level of education, such as a college degree in agriculture, but still have low wealth and power, demonstrating inconsistency in status. Similarly, a professor might have high education and wealth but hold little power within their community. This variation, where one can be high in some status factors and low in others, is characteristic of open systems and reflects greater social mobility and complexity.

Understanding status consistency helps explain how social hierarchies function differently depending on the openness of the system. Closed systems maintain rigid, uniform status rankings, while open systems allow for more nuanced and diverse social positions. This concept is essential for analyzing social stratification and mobility within societies.

Systems of Social Stratification Example 2

Frank's social position illustrates the concept of social stratification, where factors such as education, power, and income influence an individual's status within society. Despite having only a high school diploma, which indicates a moderate level of education, Frank earns a good income but holds little power in his community. This inconsistency across key stratification factors—education, power, and income—suggests that Frank is more likely to live in an open social system.

An open system of social stratification allows for greater social mobility, meaning individuals can move between social classes based on achievements or changes in factors like income or education. In contrast, a closed system restricts movement, often determined by ascribed characteristics such as family background or caste. Since Frank's high income contrasts with his lower education and power, this variation reflects the flexibility typical of an open system, where economic success does not necessarily align with other social dimensions.

Understanding these dynamics highlights how social mobility operates within different societal structures, emphasizing that income alone does not define one's social class or power. Instead, the interplay between education, power, and income shapes an individual's overall social standing, with open systems providing opportunities for change and advancement.

Which of the following correctly matches the type of social hierarchy system with the amount of status consistency within it?
I. Closed system: high consistency.
II. Closed system: low consistency.
III. Open system: low consistency.
IV. Open system: high consistency.

• A. I & II.
• B. I & III.
• C. II & III.
• D. I, II, & III.

Answer: (B)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main differences between closed and open systems of social stratification?

Closed and open systems of social stratification differ primarily in their levels of social mobility. In closed systems, such as the caste system, social mobility is extremely limited or nonexistent, meaning individuals remain in the social class they are born into. These systems often enforce endogamous marriages, where people marry within their social class, maintaining status consistency across factors like wealth, education, and power. Open systems, on the other hand, allow for social mobility based on achieved status, such as education or job performance. Examples include class systems and theoretical meritocracies. Open systems tend to have more status inconsistency, where an individual’s wealth, education, and power may not align perfectly, and they allow for exogamous marriages between different social classes. Globally, societies are trending toward more open systems, promoting greater social mobility and diversity in social interactions.

How does social mobility function differently in caste systems compared to class systems?

Social mobility in caste systems is highly restricted because an individual's social position is determined by birth and remains fixed throughout their life. This means people cannot move up or down the social hierarchy, and social roles are inherited. In contrast, class systems allow for some degree of social mobility. While a person’s initial social position may be influenced by their family background, individuals can improve their status through personal achievements like education and career success. This mobility means people can move up or down the social ladder, although the extent varies. Class systems are more flexible and dynamic, allowing for changes in social status, unlike the rigid and hereditary nature of caste systems.

What is status consistency, and how does it differ between closed and open stratification systems?

Status consistency refers to how uniform a person's social status is across different factors such as wealth, education, power, and prestige. In closed systems, status consistency is high because individuals typically have similar levels of wealth, education, and power, reflecting their fixed social position. For example, a low-status farmer would have low wealth, education, and power, while a high-status professor would have high levels in all these areas. In open systems, status consistency is lower because individuals can have mixed levels across these factors. For instance, a farmer might have a college degree but still have low wealth and power, or a professor might have high education and wealth but limited power. This inconsistency is a hallmark of open systems where social mobility is possible.

Why are endogamous marriages more common in closed systems of stratification?

Endogamous marriages, or marriages within the same social class, are more common in closed systems because these systems restrict social mobility and maintain rigid social boundaries. Since individuals are born into a fixed social position, marrying within the same class helps preserve the social hierarchy and status consistency. This practice reinforces existing inequalities by limiting interactions and unions between different social classes. In closed systems like the caste system, endogamy is often enforced culturally or legally to prevent mixing of social groups, thereby perpetuating the cycle of inequality and maintaining the social order.

What role does meritocracy play in open systems of social stratification?

Meritocracy is a theoretical concept within open systems of social stratification where an individual's social position is based entirely on their abilities and achievements, such as talent, effort, and education, rather than on birth or inherited status. Although no pure meritocracies exist at the societal level, the idea emphasizes that social mobility should be possible through merit. In open systems, meritocracy encourages individuals to improve their social standing by acquiring skills and education, promoting fairness and equal opportunity. It contrasts with closed systems where social status is fixed and not influenced by personal achievement.