Social stratification refers to the “hierarchical arrangement of large social groups based on their control over basic resources” (Kendall, 2022, p. 209). The way in which a society is stratified, that is, arranged from top to bottom, can have a significant influence on the position of an individual within the established social structure. Therefore, since stratification exists in all societies, researchers suggested that inequality is not only bound to occur but is also necessary for their ongoing functioning.
An example of social stratification in my local community is gender groupings that are formed under the pressure of patriarchal conditions. In the community, women at large assumed the role of mothers and homemakers, relying on their husbands to provide for them. While there is nothing wrong with making such a choice individually, there is also a pattern of only men holding administrative positions in the local community as well as running businesses. This means that due to patriarchal pressure, women do not get the same personal development opportunities, which is a sign of gender inequality.
The sociological explanation of gender inequality in the United States is linked to the continuous reinforcement of pre-set gender roles and stereotypes that starts in childhood. The main message that is being conveyed is that girls are less important or intelligent than boys and, thus, should have fewer ambitions and aspirations. In terms of treating boys, there is a continuous reinforcement of competition rather than collaboration. Finally, mass media has a longstanding history of portraying men and women in their stereotypical roles, which furthers gender inequality and diminishes women’s roles in society even though they are fully capable of facilitating positive change.
Reference
Kendall, D. (2022). Sociology in our times (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.