Social stratification is understood to be a ranking of individuals in a society. Such rating is granular in nature as it looks at various aspects including, wealth, income, education, power among others. This therefore leads to the emergence of different layers of society with varying degree of privileges and chances.

Theoretical perspectives of sociology admit that there is a possibility of movement, upward or downward, from one social stratum to another. Nonetheless, Contemporary society still bears the scars that social stratification has on its members. Those people who are born in the upper class have an easier time enjoying, amongst others, access to quality education, health care and social networks, thus perpetuating the socio economic divide. Structural forms of inequality such as racism and the gendered class discrimination works in curbing the chances of the few that are already marginalized.

Additionally, the distribution of wealth among the people has also changed in that the wealth has become concentrated and a few have grappled with meeting even the basic needs. As an effect, it encourages social kamikaze activities, increases the risks of regime change, and also deteriorates the status of human health. To mitigate the challenges, the formulation of the policies should focus on equalizing opportunities, decreasing intolerance and achieving even distribution of resources.