Why Does Social Stratification Exist?

Social stratification
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Social stratification
Social stratification exists because of a lack of opportunities, prejudice, and discrimination. It is neither inevitable nor necessary. Doob (2019) elaborates that it affects people's lifestyle, beliefs, and daily interactions and their conceptions about themselves.
There are different forms of stratification. They include open and closed stratification. Open stratification systems are systems in a society where there is mobility between and from one social class to the other. Individuals have the leverage of moving up and down social rankings. However, in the closed stratification system, people are set in one social rank or position for life regardless of their achievements. The caste system is an excellent example of a closed stratification system. It is a system where individuals can do nothing to change their social ranking and standing. Individuals born into a particular social class will remain in it throughout their lives (Doob, 2019).
Structural functionalism theory dictates that inequality and stratification are ben...