stratification
strat-uh-fih-KAY-shun
Definition
The system or process by which a society or organization is divided into layers or classes based on social, economic, or power differences.
Etymology
The word comes from the Latin 'stratum' (a layer or covering) and the suffix '-fication' (the process of making). It was originally used in geology to describe the layering of rocks before being applied to social hierarchies.
In the news
The article uses this term to describe how modern institutions create and maintain a 'class ceiling,' ensuring that inequality persists across generations. It matters because it highlights how routine workplace behaviors systematically disadvantage employees from lower social classes.
Lower-class employees face greater professional backlash for negotiating their salaries
Read the full article ↗PsyPost