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Social stratification.pdf Social Stratification Sociology
• Define the concept of social stratification and explain its significance in society. • Identify and describe the main social classes typically found in society. • Analyze how social class influences access to resources, health outcomes, and life expectancy. • Evaluate the impact of social class differences on individual and community health. • Apply knowledge of social stratification to assess and improve holistic nursing care.
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Social stratification.pdf Social Stratification Sociology
- 1. Social Stratification Sociology 2 11June 2025 Compiled by C Settley
- 2. Lesson objectives • Bythe end of this lesson, students will be able to: – Define the concept of social stratification and explain its significance in society. – Identify and describe the main social classes typically found in society. – Analyze how social class influences access to resources, health outcomes, and life expectancy. – Evaluate the impact of social class differences on individual and community health. – Apply knowledge of social stratification to assess and improve holistic nursing care.
- 3. Engagement questions • “Whatdo you think determines a person’s position in society?” • “Can social factors influence someone’s health? How?”
- 4. Social stratification • Stratificationsystems vary across societies but generally include distinctions such as: • Class: Economic divisions based on wealth and income. • Caste: Hereditary social groups with fixed status, often linked to religion or tradition. • Status groups: Social prestige and lifestyle differences. • Power: Ability to influence or control others. • Social stratification has significant effects on individuals’ access to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation. It shapes identities, social mobility (the ability to move between strata), and even perceptions of justice and fairness in society.
- 5. Definition of Social Stratification •Social stratification is the systematic ranking of different groups of people in a society into hierarchical layers based on factors such as wealth, income, social status, occupation, education, or power. • It is a social system that creates structured inequalities between individuals and groups.
- 6. Explanation of Social Stratification •Social stratification organizes society into different layers or strata, where some groups have more access to resources and privileges than others. • This ranking affects people’s opportunities, life experiences, and social relationships. – Why?
- 7. Key points tounderstand about social stratification: • Structured Inequality: It is not random but built into the social system, meaning inequalities are maintained over time through institutions like education, economy, family, and government. • Multiple Dimensions: Stratification involves economic factors (like income and wealth), social factors (like prestige and status), and political factors (like power and influence). • Social Mobility: While some societies allow people to move up or down the social ladder (social mobility), others have rigid systems where status is fixed, like caste systems. • Impacts: Social stratification influences access to education, healthcare, jobs, and legal protection. It also shapes individuals’ self-identity and how others perceive them.
- 8. • “In mostsocieties, people are grouped into different social classes based on things like money, education, and jobs. These groups are called social classes, and there are usually four main ones: • Upper Class • Middle Class • Working Class • Lower Class / Underclass
- 9. Characteristics of Each SocialClass • Upper Class: – Very wealthy with significant assets and investments – High level of education (often university degrees) – Holds influential positions in business, politics, or society – Lives in affluent neighborhoods, often with luxury lifestyles – Access to exclusive social networks and opportunities
- 10. Characteristics of Each SocialClass • Middle Class: – Moderate income with stable jobs (professionals, managers, teachers) – Usually has some higher education or vocational training – Owns a home or has decent living conditions – Values education and upward mobility – Generally enjoys a comfortable standard of living
- 11. Characteristics of Each SocialClass • Working Class: – Earns lower to moderate wages, often in manual or service jobs – Limited access to higher education (may have high school or vocational training) – Lives in modest housing, often rented – Faces job insecurity and financial challenges – Strong sense of community and family support
- 12. Characteristics of Each SocialClass • Lower Class / Underclass: – Low or no steady income, often unemployed or reliant on social assistance – Limited education and skills – Lives in poor housing or unstable living conditions – Limited access to healthcare and social services – Faces social exclusion and fewer opportunities for advancement
- 13. Examples of Professionsin Each Social Class 1. Upper Class • Business owners (e.g. CEO of a large company) • Investors • High-level politicians • Celebrities or famous athletes • Royalty or inherited wealth families 2. Middle Class • Teachers • Nurses • Accountants • Small business owners • Engineers • Police officers • Government workers
- 14. Examples of Professionsin Each Social Class 3. Working Class • Factory workers • Drivers (e.g. taxi, truck, delivery) • Shop assistants • Cleaners • Farm workers • Construction workers • Security guards 4. Lower Class / Underclass • Unemployed individuals • Casual labourers (e.g. seasonal workers) • Street vendors • Domestic workers with no formal contract • People relying on social grants or informal work
- 15. Social Determinants ofHealth Related to Social Class Social Determinant Upper & Middle Class Working & Lower Class Income and Wealth Can afford quality healthcare, nutritious food, and private housing Limited income, often struggles with basic needs and healthcare access Education Access to good schools and higher education; better health knowledge Poor quality education or school dropout; limited health awareness Employment & Conditions Stable jobs, safer working conditions, health benefits Unstable or dangerous jobs; low pay; sometimes unemployed Living Environment Safe, clean are
- 16. ✅ Case StudyExample: Ayanda and Thandi • Ayanda is a 35-year-old marketing manager living in a secure suburb in Cape Town. She has a university degree, medical aid, and access to a private GP. When she feels unwell, she can book a same-day appointment and afford her medication. Her children attend a private school, and they live in a clean, safe neighborhood with parks and good sanitation. • Thandi, aged 34, lives in an informal settlement outside the city. She is unemployed and occasionally does domestic work. Her children attend an overcrowded public school. When she gets sick, she visits a nearby public clinic, but sometimes has to wait hours or return another day due to long queues or medicine shortages. Her area has poor waste management and high crime, which adds to her daily stress. • Discussion Prompt: How do Ayanda and Thandi’s social class affect their health and wellbeing? What social determinants can you identify in their stories?
- 17. Answers to theCase Study: Ayanda and Thandi Social Determinant Ayanda (Upper/Middle Class) Thandi (Lower Class) Income and Wealth Has a stable, well-paying job; can afford private healthcare, quality food, and secure housing Unemployed or doing informal work; struggles financially; limited access to basic needs Education University degree; knowledgeable about health and wellness Possibly limited education; may not fully understand health conditions or treatment Employment & Conditions Works in an office; safe, stable work environment with benefits No stable employment; possible exposure to exploitation or unsafe jobs Living Environment Lives in a clean, safe suburb with good sanitation Lives in an informal settlement with poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and high crime Access to Healthcare Can afford medical aid, private doctors, and quick appointments Relies on overburdened public clinics with long wait times and possible medicine shortages Social Support & Stress Financial stability reduces stress; good support systems Daily stress from poverty, insecurity, and la
- 18. Social Class HealthAdvantages Health Challenges Upper Class Access to private healthcare, nutritious food, safe living conditions, and less stress Low risk of preventable diseases; early diagnosis and treatment Middle Class Good access to healthcare and education; moderate lifestyle risks May experience work- related stress or lifestyle diseases (e.g. high blood pressure) Working Class May lack private healthcare; exposed to physical labour and job- related injuries Limited access to preventative care; often delay seeking help due to cost Lower Class / Underclass Poor living conditions, unemployment, and little access to healthcare High rates of disease, mental health challenges, shorter life expectancy Impact of Social Class on Health Outcomes
- 19. Effect of SocialClass on Life Expectancy – South African Context Social Class Living Conditions Effect on Life Expectancy Upper Class Access to private healthcare, safe housing, good diet, clean water Higher life expectancy (70–85 years or more) Middle Class Decent healthcare, stable jobs, safer neighbourhoods Moderately high life expectancy (65–75 years) Working Class May rely on public healthcare, live in crowded areas, face job- related stress Lower life expectancy (55–65 years) Lower Class / Poor Live in informal settlements or rural areas, limited healthcare, high disease burden Lowest life expectancy (under 55 years; sometimes as low as 45–50 years)
- 20. ✅ Case Study1: Busi vs. Megan – A Tale of Two Pregnancies • Busi is 19 and lives in Khayelitsha with her grandmother. She is unemployed and dropped out of school in Grade 10. When she fell pregnant, she visited the local clinic, which was overcrowded and understaffed. She waited five hours for basic prenatal care. She often misses check-ups because she can’t afford transport. • Megan is 32 and lives in a middle-class suburb in Cape Town. She has a stable job and medical aid. She booked her prenatal appointments early, sees a private gynaecologist, and has a birth plan for a private hospital. She attends pregnancy classes and can afford healthy food. • 🔍 Discussion Prompt: How do Busi and Megan’s social class affect their pregnancy experiences? What social determinants are at play?
- 21. Comparison Point Busi (Lower Class)Megan (Middle/Upper Class) Access to Healthcare Limited; long clinic wait times, understaffed facility, missed appointments Full access; private gynaecologist, scheduled check-ups, personalized care Health Risks Higher due to poor nutrition, stress, and delayed prenatal care Lower due to early detection, professional support, and healthy environment Social Determinants Poverty, low education, unemployment, poor transport Employment, health literacy, social support, medical aid Outcome Risk High-risk pregnancy due to lack of consistent care Likely to have a safe, well- managed pregnancy
- 22. ✅ Case Study2: Thabo vs. Sipho – Job Market Inequality • Thabo matriculated from a private school in Johannesburg and completed a BCom degree at UCT. His parents helped him buy a car and apply for jobs. He got a junior finance job within two months. • Sipho matriculated from a no-fee public school in the Eastern Cape with limited subject choices. He doesn’t have money for university or transport to cities. He is looking for work but has no internet or access to career support. • 🔍 Discussion Prompt: Who is more likely to succeed economically? How does social class shape their future opportunities?
- 23. Comparison Point Thabo (Upper/Middle Class) Sipho (LowerClass) Education Quality High-quality private school and tertiary education Under-resourced school, limited subject choices Job Readiness Strong support system, family connections, reliable transport Lacks career guidance, digital access, and financial support Opportunity Access Quick entry into job market Struggles to even apply or find job opportunities Outcome Stable career path Likely to face prolonged unemployment or underemployment
- 24. ✅ Case Study3: Zanele and the Healthcare Gap • Zanele is a 45-year-old domestic worker living in a backyard dwelling in Gugulethu. She started having chest pains but delayed going to the clinic because of transport costs and long queues. When she finally got help, she was diagnosed with advanced hypertension. • If she had access to early screening and a regular doctor, her condition could’ve been managed sooner. • 🔍 Discussion Prompt: How does social class affect Zanele’s access to healthcare? What are the long-term consequences?
- 25. Issue Zanele's Experience(Lower Class) Early Prevention Not available due to clinic delays and costs Health Outcome Advanced condition (hypertension) detected too late Social Determinants Low income, informal housing, lack of transport, poor health literacy Long-term Risk Higher chance of complications, hospitalisation, and early death
- 26. Key Roles ofNurses in Addressing Social Inequalities • Advocate for patients • Provide culturally sensitive care • Educate and promote health • Connect patients to resources • Reduce barriers to healthcare • Engage in community outreach • Advocate for health policy changes
- 27. Reference List • Wilkinson,R., & Marmot, M. (2003). Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts (2nd ed.). World Health Organization. • Marmot, M. (2005). Social determinants of health inequalities. The Lancet, 365(9464), 1099–1104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140- 6736(05)71146-6 • South African Department of Health. (2018). National Health Insurance for South Africa: Towards Universal Health Coverage. • Kawachi, I., Subramanian, S.V., & Almeida-Filho, N. (2002). A glossary for health inequalities. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 56(9), 647–652. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.56.9.647 • Berkman, L. F., & Kawachi, I. (Eds.). (2000). Social Epidemiology. Oxford University Press. • WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. World Health Organization.