Social stratification implies?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Social stratification is defined as the division of society into a hierarchy of permanent groups or categories.
These groups are linked by relationships of superiority and subordination, creating a layered or ranked structure.
This hierarchical system inherently means that privileges, resources, and opportunities are distributed unequally among the different social strata.
Therefore, the most direct and fundamental implication of social stratification is the existence of social inequality.

Option A: Social justice is a concept that seeks to achieve fairness and equity, often by challenging and reducing the effects of stratification. It is a goal, not an implication.
Option C: While social stratification often leads to conditions perceived as social injustice, 'injustice' is a moral judgment about the fairness of the system. 'Inequality' is the direct, descriptive outcome of the system's structure.
Option D: Social equality is the opposite of social stratification. It represents a state where all individuals have the same status and access to resources.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The core concept tested is the definition and direct implication of social stratification in sociology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must recognize that a patient's socioeconomic status, a result of social stratification, is a key social determinant of health.
Patients from lower socioeconomic strata often have a higher burden of chronic disease, limited access to healthcare services, and poorer health outcomes.
A key nursing intervention is to screen for social needs (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, transportation issues) and connect patients with appropriate community resources.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core term in the question: 'Social stratification'. Recall its definition from sociology, which involves ranking people into a hierarchy.
Analyze the keyword 'implies'. This asks for a direct consequence or inherent quality of the concept.
Evaluate the options based on the definition. A hierarchy, by its nature, means that groups are not equal.
Conclude that 'social inequality' is the most direct and descriptive implication of a stratified system.
Differentiate this from the other options: 'justice' and 'equality' are concepts that oppose stratification, while 'injustice' is a moral judgment about the inequality, not the inequality itself.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The core concept tested is the definition and direct implication of social stratification in sociology.
Stem keywords: Social stratification
Lead-in keywords: implies
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 173-175, 172-174

Practise the full PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.