Max Weber developed a multidimensional theory of social stratification that considers class, status, and power as distinct but interrelated concepts. Class refers to a person's economic position, status is their social prestige, and power relates to their ability to achieve goals despite opposition. Social stratification involves ranking groups in a society in a hierarchy based on shared socioeconomic conditions, with differences in status, power, and privilege between groups. It is a universal trait that is passed between generations and involves inequalities as well as beliefs.