What term describes a condition where society members have varying levels of wealth and power?

The term that describes a condition where members of society possess varying levels of wealth and power is social stratification. This concept explains the hierarchical arrangement of individuals within a society based on various factors, including socio-economic status, which encompasses wealth, education, occupation, and power dynamics.

Social stratification highlights how different groups and individuals have unequal access to resources and opportunities, leading to distinct social classes. This structure is often reflected in the disparities seen in income, living conditions, and overall quality of life among different segments of the population. Understanding this concept is key to analyzing how and why these inequalities persist and the potential implications for social relations and societal stability.

In contrast, terms like social inequality refer more broadly to the disparities without explicitly focusing on the structured levels in society that stratification captures, while social mobility pertains to the ability of individuals or groups to move within the stratification system. Social cohesion focuses on the bonds that unite members of a society rather than the disparities between them.