In his book Power and Prestige, author Gerhard Lenski basically states that the study of social stratification is an attempt to answer the question of "who gets what and why". In relation to social stratification in American society and in order to answer this question, it is first necessary to review the basic concepts of stratification as well as the general divisions within the United States class system.
It is first necessary to understand the concept of social stratification. "People are differentiated in terms of biological characteristics such as sex, size, strength, and agility, and in every society they are differentiated by social roles, work tasks, or occupations" (Kerbo, 2003, p.11). As societies become technologically more complex, the division of labor increases-the number of tasks, occupations, and roles also grows. This social differentiation then lends itself to social stratification and social inequality. .
Social stratification means that "the inequality has been institutionalized and there is a system of social relationships that determines who gets what and why" (Kerbo, 2003, p.12). This means that a layered hierarchy is implemented within the social structure. Accompanying a system of social stratification are rules that explain how rewards are distributed. Positions within the American social stratum are acquired through a combination of ascription and achievement.
Social inequality refers to the unequal access persons have to valued resources, services, and positions in society. "This inequality can emerge in terms of how individuals and groups are themselves ranked and evaluated by others, but, most importantly, it is related to differing positions in a social structure" (Kerbo, 2003, p.11). Also, "inequality may emerge from social differentiation because some social positions place some people in a position to acquire a greater share of valued goods and services" (Kerbo, 2003, p.