Question

Explain the term Difference as an element of Social Stratification.

Answer 1

Social stratification creates differences that society is sometimes unable to fix. Most of the time, differences cause financial problems, which widens the gap between the rich and the poor. These variations can also be seen in morals, culture, and eating habits. The ongoing societal stratification, exemplified by casteism in India, results in transformations in culture, social conventions, and traditions. For example, the Brahmins, who are at the top of India’s caste system, wear a thread over their shoulders to show who they are. No other castes wear them. Brahmins are also expected to be strict vegetarians, but Shudras (the lowest caste) can eat meat, which is a strict no-no for other Hindus.

Before India got its independence, a Shudra child could not go to school with a Brahmin kid. It was hard for people from lower castes to get to the wells and temples that high caste Hindus used.