Final answer:
In anthropology, the concept of social stratification describes how individuals are ranked and granted access to resources based on factors like wealth, income, education, and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anthropology, the term that describes the ranking of individuals relative to others, which establishes access to resources, is known as social stratification. This concept refers to how societies categorize people into different socio-economic tiers, which can influence their wealth, income, education, family background, and power. The system of social stratification can be closed, as in caste systems where change in social position is highly restricted, or open, as in class systems where there is more potential for movement due to factors like achievement and personal effort.
Social stratification is a prevalent theme across various disciplines and it underlines the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It is tied to concepts of race, gender, ethnicity, and family lineage, affecting how resources are allocated and how power is distributed. Elements such as power, prestige, and access to resources are key indicators of an individual's or group's standing within this hierarchy.
Anthropologists explore the complexities of stratification systems in different cultures and historical contexts, revealing how these systems perpetuate issues such as racism, sexism, and classism. Such inequalities have their roots in various modes of production and are reinforced by societal values and cultural ideologies.