Social Stratification and MobilityIndividuals in today's society are separated by many different factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status. Another form of separation is that of stratification. There are four major systems of stratification, slavery, caste, inheritance and class. “Social stratification means the differentiation of a given population into hierarchically superimposed classes. » (Sorokin, 1964, p. 11) Stratification can take the form of an open or closed system. Closed system is a system that allows little or no movement within the system. The open system is just the opposite: it allows varying degrees of movement throughout the system. There are many ways to break down the social stratification of society, but they trace back to three basic classes: economic, political, and professional stratifications. In any organized social group, there is a hierarchy that is followed. This hierarchy is unavoidable and is observed at all levels, including that of insects and wild animals. “Any organized social group is always a stratified social body. There has not been and does not exist a permanent social group that is “flat” and in which all members are equal. » (Sorokin, p. 12) Although social mobility and economic mobility involve different types of mobility, they often go hand in hand. in Western cultures. The possibility of improving one's social status and being elevated into another class is one of the driving forces of many economies. The United States follows an open system of class stratification. This class system is described in a five-class model. Starting with the upper class and moving down to the upper middle class, lower middle class, working class and bordering on the lower class...... middle of paper ...... ict l Education provided will not be as diverse as that of an affluent school district. The likelihood of pursuing higher education will be limited due to the financial burden placed on the family and child. If the individual advances to college, he or she will not have the luxury of having parents to provide money for food, clothing, etc. The person will then have to work, which will harm their studies. Upon graduation, the individual may now lack social connection and contact with higher levels of society, thereby limiting their job interviews. Although everyone has the ability to progress socially, there are many limitations and obstacles to overcome. I truly believe that through hard work, anyone can advance in class distinction, regardless of the obstacles. The greater the obstacles, the better prepared you will be for your new social status.