Question

How can I explain difference between social inequality and social stratification?

Answer 1

How can I explain difference between social inequality and social stratification?

Both of these concepts might be sounding similar but there are clear differences that exist between both of these concepts.   

Social inequality: this is the situation that happens when resources distributed by the government would be distributed on an unequal basis which occurs through allocation of funds. Inequality may exist even without being stratified. Here, equality is considered in terms of opportunity or income. The idea of superiority and inferiority is not present in this scenario. People present in the higher start revive more rewards and funds, justifying the “rich become richer”. Rewards are not proportional to talent.

Social stratification: social stratification is where there is differentiation on the basis of social groups. This occurs as a result of difference in power, prestige and wealth.There is a consciousness of kind, where there would be inequality embedded in a social pattern, where culture defines this difference. In this system, people present at the top strata are considered better than individuals present at the lower strata. Here, there is the idea of superiority and inferiority . Example: caste system.