SOCIAL stratification

What is Social Stratification?Social stratification refers to the classification of

people into groups according to one or more criteria deemed important to society.

It is based on four principles:-Social stratification is a trait of society, not simply

a reflection of individual differencesSocial stratification carries over from generation

to generationSocial stratification is universal but variableSocial stratification involves not just inequality

but beliefs as well

How is Social Stratification divided?Social stratification is divided into three

categories. They are:-Upper classMiddle classLower class

Social stratification under slavery/plantation societyThe plantation society in the Caribbean during the seventeenth,

eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was a closed system of stratification based on the criteria of race and colour.

Race and colour were used to determine one’s occupation in society.Black or coloured persons were either slaves or free people of colour

and so it was evident just by looking at someone what his of her rank in life was.

White persons were not of low status. Among the whites, those who were European by birth were of higher social standing however, the creole whites were at the top of the social hierarchy.

Persons of mixed ancestry and light-coloured skin were the most fortunate by virtue of their appearance and so were rewarded with the lighter work as domestic slaves.

The coloureds worked as a buffer group between the whites and the blacks.

Pyramid showing social stratification

WHITES

COLOURED AND FREE BLACKS

BLACKS- THE ENSLAVED

Table showing social stratificationCLASS COLOUR STATUS

Upper class/caste/ruling elites

Traditionally white Own wealth, means of production and political power

Intermediate class/caste

Mulatto/browns Usually educated ,own some wealth, desire but lack political power

Working class/caste Blacks Slaves, uneducated, lack wealth and political power

The upper class in the Caribbean continues to be considered whites. They continue to own and control a significant proportion of the territory’s wealth, and as such possess great economic, social and political power. The non-white populations continue to be situated at the lower end of the social strata. They constitute the public servants and unskilled workers in the society.