Final answer:
In societies that accumulate wealth, wealth is linked with social status, creating social stratification and leading to a hierarchy where the wealthy gain political and religious power. Over time, economic improvements in these societies can lead to broader social benefits such as enhanced education and leisure.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research done by Pratto and Walker, in societies that accumulate wealth, there is a tendency for social stratification and differentiation. Research indicates that in such societies, wealth and social status become interconnected with those having more goods gaining not only economic power but political and religious dominance as well. This leads to a hierarchy within society where social status and class divisions are based on wealth, resulting in a pyramidal structure with the wealthy elite at the top. Over time, these stratified societies may improve economically, which can lead to broader social betterment including improved education systems and the capability of the populace to spend more time on learning and leisure activities.