What does the term 'social stratification' refer to?

The term 'social stratification' refers to the ranking of individuals in society based on various criteria such as wealth, power, prestige, or social status. This concept is fundamental to understanding how societies are structured and organized. Social stratification highlights the hierarchical nature of social relations, where individuals or groups are positioned differently, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities.

This ranking affects many aspects of life, including education, employment, and overall quality of life. It underscores how different social classes interact, the dynamics of privilege or disadvantage, and how these classifications persist over time. This understanding of ranking is essential in sociology, as it helps explain the disparities that exist within a society.

The other options refer to different sociological concepts. Socialization involves the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors of their society. The formation of social roles pertains to how individuals adopt expected behaviors associated with their social positions. The establishment of social norms concerns the rules and standards that govern behavior in society. While these aspects contribute to the broader understanding of social dynamics, they do not encapsulate the essence of social stratification itself.