What is social stratification, and why does it exist? All societies are stratified into layers, with those on top generally having more power, privilege, and prestige than those on the bottom....

What is social stratification, and why does it exist? All societies are stratified into layers, with those on top generally having more power, privilege, and prestige than those on the bottom. Stratification is often based on wealth, income, or birth. A society’s system of stratification is often accompanied by a justifying ideology that is accepted by most people.