Which of the following would best define social stratification?

Social stratification is best defined as the uneven distribution of wealth and opportunities in society. This definition captures the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups based on various factors, such as socioeconomic status, race, education, and power. Social stratification reflects how resources, privileges, and statuses are allocated, resulting in disparities that can be observed across different social groups.

This concept highlights the systemic nature of inequality and how it affects individuals' life chances, access to resources, and overall societal position. Wealth and opportunities often intertwine with other social variables, reinforcing and perpetuating existing inequalities. In this context, understanding social stratification is crucial for analyzing social dynamics and addressing issues of inequality in society.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of social stratification. While the ranking of social groups within a community and interactions among diverse social classes are relevant to the discussion, they do not fully cover the foundational element of inequality in wealth and opportunity distribution. Realization of social equality is contrary to the concept of stratification, as it suggests an absence of inequality rather than its presence, which is essential to understanding the broader implications of social stratification.