Two main views on social stratification are the functionalist and the conflict theory. The followers of the conflict theory presume that social stratification exists only because such a class system is beneficial for individuals, groups, and populations in the leading or regulating positions. On the opposite, functionalists consider such division in social classes, groups, and layers to be useful for society. Moreover, the functionalist view on social stratification focuses on the main interests of all society members, while the conflict theory’s view pays more attention to the diversification of these interests.
Social stratification influences the daily interactions of individuals in many ways. People from diverse social environments are treated differently in restaurants, cafes, bars, and other public places, and the quality of service tends to rise in direct relationship with the client’s wealth. Therefore, people usually interact with other representatives of their social groups without trying to reach a higher level of respect. People with money can afford to do things that are unreachable for people from lower social classes, and it usually results in disrespect shown by heavyweights towards individuals with a lower social ranking.
Social stratification includes the notion of cultural capital that is closely correlated with unphysical criteria of social division. While social stratification focuses on the definition of social classes based on the paying ability and the amount of wealth individuals gain, cultural capital relates to the consequent difference in non-material values for social groups. For example, an individual from a lower social class cannot always afford to pay for higher education, has to work part-time, and, hence, shows lower GPA, studying ability, and level of engagement (Sociology Live!, 2015, 00:01:20-00:01:34). Such systems of class based on factors such as prestige, power, or income influence people’s lives from their childhood because even in schools and colleges, students can observe examples of social stratification that influence their attitudes towards other students. Generally, most conflicts occur because teenagers and young adults feel unfairly treated in comparison to people in the same age group but with a higher social ranking. Therefore, beliefs and attitudes tend to change depending on the observed behavioral patterns.
Reference
Sociology Live! (2015). Cultural Capital [Video]. Web.