Final answer:
Social stratification is the categorization of individuals into socioeconomic ranks based on factors such as wealth and education, and it forms the basis of class systems, which allow for social mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers based on factors like wealth, income, race, education, and power. This system pervades various aspects of social life and can influence one's access to resources and opportunities. Oftentimes, it reflects a combination of social factors, such as education and family background, as well as individual achievements like occupation and income.
A class system is one form of social stratification that is based on both these social factors and individual achievements. It is an open system, meaning people have the opportunity to move between different social strata, or 'classes', unlike in more rigid caste systems. Differences in social attributes such as wealth, education, and power are essential for defining the boundaries between these classes.