Final answer:
Max Weber defined the three related dimensions of social stratification as class, status, and power. Social stratification categorizes individuals based on wealth, prestige, education, and the ability to exert influence, often seen through social and political connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influential sociologist Max Weber defined three related dimensions of social stratification as class, status, and power. These dimensions are an interwoven system within society that determines the socioeconomic tiers of individuals and groups. According to Weber, class refers to an individual's economic position in society, status is related to the prestige a person holds, and power pertains to one's ability to influence others, often through political party connections.
Social stratification is how society categorizes individuals into hierarchical rankings based on numerous factors, including wealth, income, education, and power. These categories are reinforced through a society's cultural beliefs and values. The concept of social stratification can be interpreted through various sociological perspectives, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, each providing a distinct understanding of social inequality.