What is a major consequence of social stratification?

Social stratification refers to the categorization of individuals or groups in a hierarchical manner based on various factors such as wealth, income, race, education, and power. One of the primary consequences of this phenomenon is the establishment of social hierarchies, where certain groups hold more power and resources compared to others. This hierarchy can lead to unequal access to opportunities and privileges, which can further perpetuate social inequalities.

The creation of social hierarchies can manifest in various forms, such as class divisions, racial stratifications, and other forms of social differentiation. These hierarchies influence not only individual life chances but also the overall structure of society, affecting socio-economic mobility, political power, and access to education and healthcare.

In contrast, options such as increased social mobility, equal access to resources, and a reduction in cultural diversity do not accurately reflect the outcomes of social stratification. Increased social mobility implies that individuals can move freely between different social strata, which is often not the case in stratified societies. Equal access to resources contradicts the very essence of stratification, which typically results in unequal distribution. Lastly, while cultural diversity might exist within stratified societies, social hierarchies can sometimes exacerbate divisions between cultural groups rather than reduce them.