Modernization is a vast and mixed concept or idea, or it is considered an ideological concept. Modernization can be described as a process or procedure linked with the broad changes that took place or have occurred in society, specifically, cultural, economic, political, and social changes. It demonstrates significant breaks from conventional society. It is an idea before its implementation or a process. Since it is an idea, so there is no unity or accordance between social scientists or experts on its meaning and explanation.
The concept or idea of modernization, rise or emerged as a description of how western countries or nations developed or grew through capitalism. And according to this concept, modernization mainly depends on the introduction of knowledge and science and technologies required or needed to make use of it. Although there are certain necessities to make modernization possible.
Social Stratification is defined or described as a process or procedure of ranking or positioning individuals or groups of people or individuals within a society. But this term was earlier defined differently by sociologists that it is something more than almost every universal divergence that is found in all but the least complicated or complex of societies. Social Stratification refers or denotes to a system or process with expectable or probable rules behind the ranking of people and groups of people theories of social stratification are intended to uncover and understand.
The presence or existence of a proper system of social stratification also suggested some form or ways of authorization of the ranking or positioning of people and the unequal distribution of valued goods, services, and status or prestige. Beyond any agreement or approval of the definition of social stratification, however, the ethical or classical sociological experts or theorists allowed little else.
For the well and appropriate functioning or working of society, it needs to follow or work on certain mechanisms so that people or groups of people are engaged or involved in different occupations or works to get their own separate identities. And if all the activities are linked with the same or similar types of economic returns and reputation, then there will be no opposition for different occupations. Social Stratification is that process or system through which different positions or roles are hierarchically distinguished. And the importance or need for Stratification can be understood through the functions it performs or plays for the individual as well as for society.
Competition − There must be competition among the individuals based on their attributes or choice of domain. And only those people who are having better knowledge or attribute will get more or greater recognition.
Motivation − The process of Stratification motivates or inspires individuals to work harder to improve or enhance their social status. It is more applicable to those societies where statuses are achieved.
Recognition of Talent − The individual with more knowledge, talent, and skills should give more preference or recognition. And this will help people to acquire or adopt better talents.
Job Satisfaction − Finally the major thing is job satisfaction. Jobs are provided as per the knowledge, education, and skills of the individual.
As per conflict theory, stratification comes or results from a lack or loss of opportunity and discrimination or inequity against the poor and people of dark skin colour. The conflict theory believes and conveys that stratification occurs or comes through a conflict among or between different classes, especially with the upper-class people as they are using superior power to take or occupy a larger or bigger share of the available social resources. Conflict theorist or experts argues or believe that social stratification causes inequality or discrimination in society. And this theory focuses or works on the creation and generation of inequality. Stratification, conflict theorists, or experts' belief, preserves inequality. Conflict theorists try to fetch awareness of inequalities (among the rich society and the poor members).
There are several theories of social stratification and here we are going to discuss some of them.
According to this particular theory, different types of areas or societies exist or are found in the world to fulfil a particular purpose or need of society. This theory was given by Sociologists Wilbert Moore and Kingsley Davis.
Karl Marx was always against the idea of social stratification and according to him, rich or upper-class people were grateful or responsible for the miserable condition of the lower-class people. He has proposed two ideas and those are- Substructure and Superstructure.
Social stratification is an ancient phenomenon or process that is still very much dominating in today’s societies. Various sociologists and philosophers have tried to explain the phenomenon and presented its pros and cons. Modernization demonstrates significant breaks from conventional society. It is an idea before its implementation or a process. Since it is an idea, so there is no unity or accordance between social scientists or experts on its meaning and explanation. The concept or idea of modernization, rise or emerged as a description of how western countries or nations developed or grew through capitalism. And according to this concept, modernization mainly depends on the introduction of knowledge and science and technologies required or needed to make use of it.
Q1. What do you mean by modernization?
Ans. Modernization, particularly in sociology, is described as the transformation or changes from a conventional, rural, agricultural society to an urban, secular, and industrial society.
Q2. Define social structure.
Ans. Social structure is described as the stable, unique arrangement of places or institutions whereby people or human beings in a place or society interact and stay together.
Q3. Who was the very first person to talk about social stratification?
Ans. Karl Marx was the very first person to give ideas about social stratification.
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