Sociology for nurses, 2nd Edition

12

Social Stratification

Learning Objectives

• Introduction
• Caste system
• Changes in caste system
• Jajmani system
• Social class system
• Untouchability and discrimination
• Caste and health

1. INTRODUCTION

Social stratification is a process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring hierarchy of status. Every society is divided into higher and lower social units. Every society is divided into more or less distinct groups. Even the most primitive societies had some form of social stratification. Some individuals and groups are rated higher than others on the basis of opportunities and privileges that they enjoy. For example, in India, doctors and engineers are rated higher than teachers. As a class, the formers have a higher ...