Having a look at some of the main components of the social hierarchy by breaking down stratification principles.

Throughout history, stratification has been evidenced to affect access to higher education, health care and work. By checking out the characteristics of social stratification, it is much easier to understand what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key characteristic of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a term used to represent people who are born into a social position. Nowadays it can be recognised by backgrounds such as nobility or caste. Additionally, achieved status is obtained through personal efforts, such as reputable occupations and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise that status can be attained through social contributions. Similarly, more info Jensen Huang would identify the importance of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and acknowledgment received by individuals in society.

The social hierarchy is a philosophy which describes the way in which society is graded into various groups. Each society consists of different types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, class is among the most perceivable structures of the social hierarchy. A person's social ranking is primarily based on economic aspects such as wealth and earnings. Upper class is the denomination used to characterise the group of more affluent individuals. Commonly gotten through inheritance or business and investment opportunities, these people hold significant financial power. Consequently, middle class describes people with moderate wealth. Usually, middle class individuals have professional careers and qualifications. They have strong values for higher academia and employability. While lower class is the term used to define those who struggle with lower earnings. Economic stratification uses class to recognise a group's access to opportunities in society.

The principle of stratification helps to make sense of why some people have more power than others. Comprehending social stratification theory allows sociologists to analyse inequality and how it influences various groups in society. Authority and impact are 2 of the factors that form societal power. The word power defines one's ability to influence decisions and authority within society. It can be associated with 3 key areas. Political power is possessed by administrations and politicians who manage the laws that control society. Furthermore, economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over jobs and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would concur that businesses hold economic power. Likewise, social power is a type of authority over societal judgement. Famous people and media characters are instrumental in setting trends and cultures which guide society. Power is primarily focused among rich and popular people. Without some kind of social authority, it is impossible to assert power or control.