Final answer:
In chiefdoms, the dimensions of social stratification are closely tied to both class and kinship, as political and social organization hin-ge on kinship ties. Noble classes often top the stratification hierarchy, with positions inherited along kinship lines, typically following matrilineal or patrilineal descent. The chief's role consolidates power and maintains the class-kinship structure within these societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In chiefdoms, the three dimensions of social stratification are often tied to both class and kinship. This is because the political and social organization of chiefdoms is frequently based on kinship ties, which determine an individual's rights and obligations within the society. The stratification system within chiefdoms includes different levels of status and power, with a noble class usually at the top and commoners at the bottom. However, these positions are often inherited through kinship lines, typically in a matrilineal or patrilineal fashion, depending on the specific cultural practices of the chiefdom.
For example, the Mississippians, a Native American chiefdom, exhibited high levels of social stratification with noble classes and matrilineal descent patterns where a mother's lineage determined property, status, and clan affiliation. Political power and possessions were often passed from uncles to nephews, demonstrating how kinship played a central role in both social and political stratification. In this context, kinship provided a framework for structuring society, outlining how individuals were viewed in relation to the larger community.
The chief in chiefdoms typically holds economic, political, religious, and military power, and these roles are usually inherited, thus perpetuating the kinship-based stratification system. Over time, certain lineages may become more prominent and be viewed as royal, further intertwining class and kinship in these societies.