Social Stratification: Identities and Inequalities

Purpose- This paper explored through the dimensions of what social stratification is, dimensions of social inequalities as a basis of social stratification, the conceptual foundations of social inequalities and identities and the formation of identities as a basis of inequality. Design/methodology- The present study employed descriptive research to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends and categories related to social stratification. In order to understand inequality in the context of increasing social inequalities, we need to use an intersectional lens that helps to explain how people experience inequality according to different and intersecting aspects of their identity. Findings- The main findings highlight the dimensions of social stratification, the social inequality caused by it and how the various social identities are shaped on the basis of class, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender. Social identities are a way for people to conceptualize the different ways in which society has classified people based on their characteristics. Each of these characteristics, groups people into either in-groups or out-groups based on their race, social class, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation.