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stratification

strat-ih-fih-KAY-shun /ˌstræt.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

nounC1GRESATUPSC

academicscientific

The arrangement or classification of something into different layers or social classes.

Used in sociology to describe horizontal layers (strata) of privilege, wealth, or power across a population.

The story behind the word. Borrowed from geology in the 19th century. Early geologists used 'stratification' to describe layers of rock accumulated over time; sociologists adapted the term to describe how human societies settle into distinct economic and social layers.

Word relationships

layering: 'Layering' is everyday language, whereas 'stratification' is a formal social-science term.
categorization: 'Categorization' is sorting into types, while 'stratification' specifically implies hierarchical layers.

homogeneity: 'Homogeneity' implies a uniform population without layered distinctions.
equality: 'Equality' implies identical social standing without strata.

Commonly confused with

classification: 'Classification' can mean sorting objects by type; 'stratification' implies hierarchical layers.

Word family

stratify (verb): To arrange or divide into social layers.
stratified (adjective): Arranged into distinct layers or classes.

Collocations

social stratification
economic stratification
class stratification
degree of stratification

Example sentences

"Economic inequality has deepened the social stratification between urban elites and rural laborers." Economic research
"Social stratification exists in almost every human society, though its criteria vary widely." Sociological theory

Memory hook

STRATA means rock layers; STRATIFICATION is social rock layers. Society arranged in rock-like layers.

When not to use

Do not use to describe individual personal preferences or unlayered variations.

Fun facts

Sociologists borrowed 'stratification' directly from geology, comparing social classes to layers of sedimentary rock.