Stratification describes the different "layers" that exist in society. These 'layers' are distinguished by unequal rewards and life chances. Sociologists view stratification as the classification of groups and the relationships that exist between them.

The study of social stratification is the study of class, caste, privilege and status.

According to the sociologist John Scott (1996, pg 1), at its most simple social stratification of a society can be defined as " Its internal division into Hierarchy of distinct social groups, each having specific chances and a distinctive style of life".

Class division separates most known communities, sometimes with no chance of mobility within its structure or grouping. A good example of closed social differentiation is found in the Hindu religions 'caste' system.

Hindu 'caste' membership is the result of 'good' or 'bad' conduct in a previous life and each individual within the system is born and lives as their caste decrees with no chance of furthering into a higher caste, through either marriage or merit. Each stratum is totally recruited from within their own ranks (caste).

It has however been argued that an uns

Kirby, mark , Kid, Warren, Koubel, Francine, Barter, john, Hope, Tanya, Kirton, Alison, Madry, Nick, Manning, paul, Triggs, Karen. Sociology in Perspective A&A Edition, Heinemann Educational publishers: Oxford.

So far in mobility studies the area of downward mobility is least studied although the outcome of the few have concluded that inter-generational mobility is a common and increasing factor.

The three factors that affect mobility are the number of positions to be filled, the methods of access and entry to these positions and the number of future offspring to fill these positions.

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