What typically drives social stratification within a society?

Social stratification within a society is primarily driven by wealth, power, and social status, which are interconnected factors that influence individuals' positions in the social hierarchy. Wealth refers to the resources and assets individuals or groups possess, which can dictate access to opportunities and privileges. Power relates to the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control others or institutions, often shaping policies and practices that affect the distribution of resources. Social status encompasses the prestige and recognition afforded to individuals or groups based on various factors, including occupation, education, and family background.

These elements contribute to the formation and reinforcement of social classes, impacting individuals' life chances, such as education, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. As such, wealth, power, and social status play a crucial role in sustaining the structures of inequality and determining how individuals navigate their lives and interactions within society.

While government policies, individual choices, and cultural beliefs can influence social stratification, they often work within the broader context of wealth, power, and social status. For example, government policies can be influenced by the powerful elite, and cultural beliefs can reinforce existing social hierarchies, but it is the underlying economic and social structures that fundamentally drive social stratification.