Social Stratification On College Campuses

Social stratification refers to the hierarchal differences in society caused by status, power, and economic position. In other words, social stratification is the ranking of people within a society. In general, social stratification not only causes but also leads to inequality. On college campuses, I have realized that the majority of social categorization ranks people based on factors such as income, race, gender, and education.

During my business class, management accounting, in Kenan-Flagler Business school, I realized that most students enrolled in the business school were white men. In addition, the four students I know that have assured admission to the business school are all white males from affluent backgrounds. This is an example

In themselves, sororities promote social stratification due to their inherent elitism. Sororities usually cost thousands of dollars each semester, an amount that most average college students cannot afford. As a result, most sorority girls come from affluent backgrounds. Moreover, through their selective recruitment and off-campus houses, sororities fuel economic and social inequality by choosing certain girls based on appearances. Over the past few days of observation, however, I begin to notice the attire of sorority girls. For most girls, I was able to recognize their membership to a sorority by looking at their sorority sweaters, which according to my suitemate cost around $75. Additionally, most sweaters were accompanied by Lulu Lemon leggings, which range from $100-$200, and either Birkenstocks, which cost around $100, or Timberland boots which generally cost $150. These fashion choices are conspicuous consumption, in which those in higher levels of the stratification system seek to distinguish themselves from those below them through their consumption. The consequences of this type of social stratification are not only the perpetuation of wealth caused by sororities but also the growing distinction between the elite and the lower class caused by conspicuous