Social stratification

The ranking of people in society by other members into higher or lower positions—such as upper, middle, and lower class—to create a hierarchy of respect or prestige. The classification of consumers into upper, middle or lower classes implies that certain members of the society rank higher than others in prestige and power. This stratification suggests that in a society some people are more equal than others. Since the bases for defining power and prestige vary from one society to another, the composition of upper, middle, and lower classes is also likely to vary. Social stratification is dependent largely on the ideals and values of the society.