Final answer:
The terms egalitarian, ranked, and stratified relate to types of social structures, with egalitarian societies having equal status among members, ranked societies with fixed hierarchy based on kinship, and stratified societies with notable inequalities and layers. Global stratification examines these concepts among countries, assessing economic and resource disparities. These systems are influenced by historical events and individual interactions within societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms egalitarian, ranked, and stratified relate to different types of social structures. An egalitarian society is one in which all members are considered equal and have the same status and access to resources. A ranked society has a hierarchical system but limited social strata, and often individuals' positions are fixed by attributes such as kinship or age. In contrast, a stratified society has a clear, layered hierarchy that includes a significant degree of inequality in terms of access to power, wealth, and resources, and these layers or strata are often difficult to move between.
Global stratification refers to the unequal distribution of resources among different countries, leading to varying levels of wealth, power, and economic stability. Social scientists study these patterns to understand the complexities of socioeconomic tiers and the systemic inequalities present both within and between nations. Stratification systems that are considered 'closed,' such as caste systems, do not allow for movement between different social levels, whereas 'open' systems, like class structures in more capitalist societies, theoretically permit social mobility based on individual achievements.
Levels of Inequality
Social stratification can also be looked at through the lens of systemic inequalities, such as racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that contribute to the maintanence of these social structures. These inequalities are not ahistorical or unchanging but are the result of complex historical and societal forces, including decisions made by those in political and economic power.