Systems of Stratification

Global stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in societies around the world.

Slavery is a system in which people are bought and sold as property, forced to work, or held in captivity against their will.

Caste systems are closed social stratification systems in which people inherit their position and experience little mobility.

Social class refers to the grouping of individuals in a stratified social hierarchy, usually based on wealth, education, and occupation.

Along with economic class and race, society is stratified by gender, with women often holding a lower social position than men.