Social Mobility: Vertical, Horizontal, Intergenerational and Intragenerational Introduction Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals, families or groups from one social position to another within a society’s stratification system. Such movement may involve changes in income, occupation, educational attainment, wealth, prestige or class position. Social mobility is important in sociology because it helps researchers…

Caste, Estate and Class Systems Introduction Caste, estate and class systems are major forms of social stratification. Each organizes social positions and distributes resources, opportunities, prestige and power, but they differ in the principles through which inequality is structured and maintained. A caste system traditionally assigns social position by birth and restricts movement between ranked…

Social Class, Class Structure and Class Consciousness Introduction Social class is a major concept in sociology used to explain economic inequality, differences in life chances and the distribution of power within society. It refers broadly to groups of people who occupy similar positions in the economic and social structure, particularly in relation to income, wealth,…

Social Stratification: Meaning, Forms and Dimensions Introduction Social stratification refers to the structured ranking of individuals and groups in a society into unequal social positions. These positions differ in access to wealth, income, power, prestige, education, healthcare, opportunities and other valued resources. Stratification is a central concept in sociology because it explains how inequality becomes…

Social Networks, Social Organization and Institutional Structure Introduction Society is organized through relationships, groups, institutions and systems of authority. Individuals do not live in isolation; they interact with family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, professional contacts and public organizations. These relationships create networks through which information, resources, opportunities and social expectations circulate. Sociologists examine these patterns…