Question

Which one of the following represents a form of differentiation and not stratification?

• A. Class
• B. Caste
• C. Gender
• D. Sex

Hint:

Remember the key distinction: Differentiation is about being 'different', while Stratification is about being 'unequal' or 'ranked'. Sex is a biological difference; Gender is a social hierarchy built upon that difference.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
- Social Differentiation: The process of distinguishing people into different groups or roles without necessarily ranking them. It is a horizontal division.
- Social Stratification: The hierarchical or vertical ranking of social groups, involving inequality in power, prestige, and wealth.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- (A) Class and (B) Caste are classic examples of social stratification, as they involve a clear hierarchy of social groups.
- (C) Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men and women. This is a system of stratification (patriarchy) where one gender has historically held more power than the other.
- (D) Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define males and females. In its purely biological sense, it is a form of differentiation—simply categorizing people based on physical attributes without an inherent social ranking. The social ranking is applied through the process of gendering.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Sex represents a biological differentiation, whereas class, caste, and gender are systems of social stratification.