Stratification Should Be Legitimized Because It Is Based on Meritocracy

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Social Stratification can be defined as the ranking of social groups according to one or more criteria deemed important in the society. While Meritocracy refers to the bestowment of merits or rewards for a person’s good deeds or achievements based on the power or rule of the person giving the merit. The above statement states that “Stratification should be legitimized because it is based on Meritocracy.” In other words, it can be said that depending on the social class, power and/or rule of the person awarding the merit; it therefore determine the social standing or ranking of the person receiving the merit. The ranking will allow indication that some groups have more and some have less of what the society values, for example; money, power and/or prestige which are the main causes of social stratification in Caribbean countries. Wealth refers to money and property, among other things. Most Caribbean families do not hold much wealth other than the family home, automobiles, savings, and their income which usually set forth their social statuses in society. Yet, with Meritocracy it offers somewhat of another form of social ranking as it may allow for the acquirement of power, prestige or wealth. Material possessions are what many Caribbean members associate with the idea of social standing. Therefore, it can be concluded that with Meritocracy which often times provides materialistic things such as wealth (money), it can provide persons with a social class desired. On the other hand, the legitimization of stratification on the basis of Meritocracy can allow for the respect, honour, and recognition received from others in society. For example: In Jamaica, Usain Bolt has received such things as honour and respect for his achievements in sports. Bolt has attained a high awards in track and field and has gained the position and title of “The Honourable Doctor Usain Bolt.”
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