Introduction
Social stratification is a crucial issue for the current age, given its significant impact on the lines of numerous populations. Defined as the differentiation of a given population into hierarchically superposed classes, social stratification is manifested in the existence of upper and lower social layers (Wister, 2019). Specifically, the aspects of age and gender stratification can cause several negative consequences for older adults (Wister, 2019). Considering that the hierarchical organization of society for the explanation of human behavior must be thoroughly analyzed to develop mitigation approaches, social stratification remains a highly pertinent topic.
Age and Gender Stratification
Age stratification is understood as conferring respect and power to specific age groups. For example, in the US and other Western, industrialized nations, age stratification has led to older adults having a lower social position than in middle age. However, in some cultures, older adults are at the top of the age stratification (Wister, 2019). A vast and continuously growing body of literature demonstrates that survival into old age is shaped by socioeconomic and racial inequalities and that these gaps are not disappearing.
Gender stratification refers to the inequalities between women and men regarding wealth, power, and privilege. Gender is a socially structured principle representing a hierarchical, asymmetrical, and unequal division between men and women (Funk, 2016). Health and gender inequalities are usually more significant among older people than in younger populations. It has been explained by older men’s greater involvement in spheres that create unhealthy living conditions and unequal, such as the working environment (Funk, 2016). Unequal distribution of social resources, for example, income or job status, has a more substantial impact on men, leading to their participation in occupations with unhealthy working conditions.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is evident that age and gender stratification, two dimensions of social stratification, can have an adverse influence on the older populations throughout the world. However, the positive effects of these aspects should also be noted, as some cultures have been shown to demonstrate higher levels of respect towards older adults. Furthermore, by using social stratification as a basis for identifying individual behavior differences, it is possible to establish how social differences impact the personal traits and behavior patterns of society members.
References
Funk, L. (2016). Sociological perspectives on aging. Oxford University Press.
Wister, A. V. (2019). Social structures, social inequality, and the life course. In Aging as a social process: Canada and beyond (7th ed., pp. 166-178). Oxford University Press.