Social Stratification of Society: Theoretical and Empirical Interpretation of the Concept

Abstract

The article is being analyzed the concept of «social stratification of society», examines the definitions of this concept, emphasizes also the distinction of stratification dimensions, as well as the criteria on the basis of which analysis one can conclude concerning the identification of certain status groups and the identification of a particular individual or group with a certain social class or status group.

The interpretation of the term «social stratification of society» is carried out through the notion of «social inequality». The basis for the definition of social stratification is definition of V. Ilyin, which defines social stratification as «hierarchically organized social inequality». The central place in the article is the position that the consolidation of different groups of people for the respective types of activities and is the basis of social inequality. Since the socio-economic division of labor is the cause and consequence of the appropriation by some people of power, property and, consequently, the deprivation of the right to own these privileges of other people. This phenomenon is reflected in the concept of «institutionalization of social inequality» by P. Shmopka, whose analysis is also carried out in this article.

The empirical interpretation of the concept of «social stratification» is realized through the isolation of three autonomous dimensions of social stratification: power (political status), property (economic status) and prestige (educational and professional status).