Final answer:
Social stratification implies a system where groups of people have unequal access to resources, justified by various societal factors. It's manifested in how unequal people are, the unequal distribution of resources, and the societal justification for such inequalities. These disparities are evident within countries and globally, affecting economic and social aspects of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social stratification involves differences in various societal aspects. These differences may include a. how unequal people are in terms of their social standings and access to valuable resources, b. what resources are unequally distributed such as wealth, education, and healthcare, which affect life outcomes, and c. why a society claims people should be unequal, which may be justified through various ideologies or societal norms .Looking at history and in the world today, these dimensions of stratification are evident both within countries and on a global scale. In the United States, the unequal distribution of resources among individuals is clear, while globally, there are disparities between nations. Factors that contribute to these inequalities include industrialization levels, economic roles (producer vs. owner), and national income. Moreover, social stratification is not just an economic issue but encompasses social equality issues such as discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Through all this, we understand that social stratification results in distinct layers within society, with those having an abundance of resources at the top and others with fewer resources forming the lower layers.