Which concept refers to the enduring pattern of ranking people in social positions according to their access to desirable resources?

• A. Power
• B. Wealth
• C. Social stratification
• D. Prestige

Answer: (C)

Social stratification is the organized, enduring ranking of people into layers in a society based on unequal access to valued resources. This pattern isn’t just about having one resource like money or influence; it’s about how a whole system assigns social positions—often across generations—based on who can access resources such as wealth, power, education, and prestige. That makes it the best description because it captures the persistent structure that creates life chances and social gaps, not just a single resource or attribute.

Power, wealth, and prestige are important dimensions that influence a person’s position, but they describe parts of the system rather than the overall pattern. Wealth is a resource that can elevate status; prestige refers to social honor; power is the ability to influence others. The enduring ranking across society that structures life chances is what social stratification represents.