Below is a summary of a few of the key aspects of the social hierarchy with a concentration on class, status and power.

The social hierarchy is a theory which describes the way in which society is graded into various groups. Every society includes different types of social stratification whereby people are ranked based upon their social and economic position. According to social stratification in sociology, social rank is one of the most recognised structures of the social hierarchy. A person's social ranking is mainly based upon economic factors such as wealth and income. Upper class is the term used to describe the set of more wealthy individuals. Usually gained through inheritance or business and financial investment opportunities, these people hold significant financial power. Consequently, middle class describes individuals with moderate wealth. Usually, middle class people have professional careers and credentials. They have strong appreciation for further education and employability. While lower class is the phrase used to recognise individuals who cope with minimal income. Economic stratification makes use of social ranking to determine a group's connection to opportunities in society.

The principle of stratification helps to comprehend why some people have more power than others. Understanding social stratification theory enables sociologists to study inequality and how it affects specific groups in society. Authority and click here influence are two of the factors that form societal power. The term power refers to one's ability to influence decisions and control within society. It can be connected with three key areas. Political power is maintained by authorities and political leaders who control the laws that govern society. Additionally, economic power is held by businesses and rich people who have control over jobs and economic sectors. Larry Ellison would agree that corporations hold financial power. Likewise, social power is a form of authority over social judgement. Celebrities and media personalities are active in setting trends and cultures which guide society. Power is mainly concentrated amongst rich and popular people. Without some kind of social supremacy, it is difficult to assert power or control.

Throughout history, stratification has been discovered to influence access to higher education, health care and employment. By exploring the characteristics of social stratification, it is simpler to comprehend what shapes opportunities within society. Status is a key quality of stratification; it describes the level of prestige and regard held by an individual. Ascribed status is a phrase used to describe people who are born into a social position. Today it can be recognised by backgrounds such as royalty or caste. Alternatively, achieved status is earned through personal efforts, such as highly regarded professions and contributions to society. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge that status can be acquired through societal contributions. Similarly, Jensen Huang would identify the value of acquired status. Status can have an impact on the degrees of respect and acknowledgment received by people in society.