Social Stratification and Plato's Political Philosophy

Social differences are often categorized into those based on birth (like caste or race) and those based on individual choices (like religion, occupation, or political affiliation). Abilities and appearances are generally considered inherent or natural traits rather than social choices.

Indian society is historically and structurally characterized as patriarchal, meaning it is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

The Republic is a dialogal treatise written by the Plato around 380 BC. He discussed about justice, nature of city states, nature and characteristics of man.

Social groups are often formed based on individual choices, such as joining a political party, a club, or a religious organization. While needs or purposes may exist, the act of forming or joining a group is fundamentally a choice.

Belgium successfully managed its linguistic and social tensions by implementing a unique model of power sharing, which included constitutional arrangements that gave autonomy to different linguistic regions and ensured representation for all groups.

The three factors that determine the outcome of politics of social division are: how people perceive their identities, how political leaders raise demands, and the government's response to those demands. A positive or accommodating attitude from the government is crucial for stability.

Social divisions become less threatening when power is decentralized and shared across smaller units, as this prevents any single group from feeling dominated or excluded. This approach reduces the stakes of political competition and fosters local participation.

Social diversity is considered healthy for a democracy because it encourages a variety of perspectives, debates, and representation, which are essential for a vibrant and inclusive political system.

Social stratification refers to social differentiation whereby society groups people based on their class, economic status, occupation, power, religion caste etc. People are categorised as inferior and superior based on their social position. Social stratification is found in all ranges of society and the system of classification find its roots from ancient times since people were only indulged in Hunting, gathering and status. Based on their position they are assigned different roles and status. Social stratification is done by society and it is not natural. Man for their own needs make groups and avail opportunities and as the result of social inequalities classification arises which categorises people.

Society differentiates its members in terms of superiority, inferiority , equality and other factors it divided itself into hierarchy of social groups called social stratification. Social stratification is social phenomena found in every society with different name and recognition. There are classes of people divided on some socially accepted basis in different societies. It is an ancient process since the birth of human civilisation, people have assigned roles and status according to their social position.

Belgium is divided primarily along linguistic lines, with the Dutch-speaking Flemish community in the north and the French-speaking Walloon community in the south, which led to significant political and social tensions.

The second factor in the politics of social division is how political parties and leaders express the demands of different communities. If they raise demands in a constitutional manner, it is less likely to lead to conflict.

Society is full of different groups. Some of the social differences are based on births (religion, the caste of an individual) but some are based on choices. In India, people are free to worship any god. They are free to have faith or do not have faith in religion. 

Varna system started in Vedic Period. It finds mention in Rig Veda and Manusmriti. It is basically classification of people based on their occupation or position they hold in society according to which society is divided into four classes viz., Brahmans (priests or scholars having high position) , Kshatriyas (Warriors or knights), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (unskilled workers or labourers). Varna in RigVeda means colour, complexion or outward experience. Varna system did not classify people as high and low or superior or inferior it was just classification in the order of the society based on the skills of people. According to the ancient text in Bhagvad Gita varna system is not hereditary but is based on karma(deeds). Hence the structure of four orders is based on quality and skills of the people and not by birth.

Varna system started in Vedic Period. It finds mention in Rig Veda and Manusmriti. It is basically classification of people based on their occupation or position they hold in society according to which society is divided into four classes viz., Brahmans (priests or scholars having high position) , Kshatriyas (Warriors or knights), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (unskilled workers or labourers). Varna in RigVeda means colour, complexion or outward experience. Varna system did not classify people as high and low or superior or inferior it was just classification in the order of the society based on the skills of people. The Varna system took form of caste system where people were stratified as high or low and Swarnas (upper two Varna's) imposed their system.

Varna system started in Vedic Period. It finds mention in Rig Veda and Manusmriti. It is basically classification of people based on their occupation or position they hold in society according to which society is divided into four classes viz., Brahmans (priests or scholars having high position) , Kshatriyas (Warriors or knights), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (unskilled workers or labourers). Varna in RigVeda means colour, complexion or outward experience. Varna system did not classify people as high and low or superior or inferior it was just classification in the order of the society based on the skills of people. The Varna system took form of caste system where people were stratified as high or low and Swarnas (upper two Varna's) imposed their system.

Untouchability is the ancient caste discrimination whereby the upper caste people considers lower castes people (Dalits) as polluted and they are not to be touched by swarnas(upper caste people), nor can they live in the same village as swarna, cannot drink water from same well and are also prohibited to enter temples or public places. It is the most inhumane practice deeply exercised in India. Untouchable suffers from various rights deprivation like social, economic, legal etc. 

Article 17 of the Constitution is the Fundamental Right which abolishes the practice of untouchability and makes it an offence punishable by law. In pursuance of this Article, The Untouchability Offences Act, 1955 renamed as Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976 was enacted by the parliament which provides for pehal provisions for such practices.

Social stratification refers to social differentiation whereby society groups people based on their class, economic status, occupation, power, religion caste etc. People are categorised as inferior and superior based on their social position. Social stratification is found in all ranges of society and the system of classification find its roots from ancient times since people were only indulged in Hunting, gathering and status. Based on their position they are assigned different roles and status. Social stratification is done by society and it is not natural. Man for their own needs make groups and avail opportunities and as the result of social inequalities classification arises which categorises people.

In a democracy, internal social issues are expected to be resolved through domestic dialogue and constitutional processes. Refusing to address these issues or seeking to suppress them is considered undemocratic.

Division of labour means work being done by people depending upon their area of expertise, specialisation, skills and abilities. Division of labour creates economic strata and class system. People from different area of specialisation who work together to generate their source of livelihood and earn income.

Article 17 of the Constitution is the Fundamental Right which abolishes the practice of untouchability and makes it an offence punishable by law. In pursuance of this Article, The Untouchability Offences Act, 1955 renamed as Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976 was enacted by the parliament which provides for pehal provisions for such practices.

Division of labour is demarcation or separation of tasks or works among different people wo possess specific quality for the task. It reduces unnecessary labour and time and keep society structured. Division of labour increases productivity per worker and focus on generating economic growth with the works separated and people specialised in their task ot becomes more easy and effective to perform the task. In the contemporary world, with the era of Globalisation, division of labour is internationalised, countries are inclined to engage in work in the area they specialise to keep generate their economy and be in the league with rest of the Countries. They develop connection with other countries which specialises on other task or work thus facilitate global interaction.

The Indian Parliament enacted the Untouchability Offences Act1955, which was later amended and renamed in 1976 to become the Protection of Civil Rights Act. Under this Act, 'untouchability' as a result of religious and social disabilities was made punishable.

Social services are a range of public services provided by the governmental and non-governmental organizations. Social services include the benefits and facilities such as education, health care. Food subsidies, social securities. The social workers attempt to eliminate hardships and suffering. They have a responsibility to help individuals, families, and group. The social services try to make life easy of peoples living in poverty. But neglecting the social services sectors like public education, health system, and social security, the life of the poor is made difficult.

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India. The Fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was carried out in 2014-2015.NFHS-4 is the first survey in the NFHS series that has collected data from all 29 States and all 7 Union Territories. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. NFHS-4 provides that women in Karnataka have 24.2% BMI.

Article 29 of the Constitution provides protection of interests of minorities. It's clause (1) provides that any section, if citizens in India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own, shall have the right to protect the same. The article also provides protection to religious minorities also.

The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 to the Constitution inserted new Article 21A i.e., Right to education. This Article provides free and compulsory education to all children between 6-14years. The amendment act also amended Article 45(DPSP) and Article 51A(Fundamental Duties).

Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Large proportions of women in rural areas suffer from anemia. In Karnataka anemia is considerably higher in rural areas(46.2%) than in urban areas (43%). According to NFHS-4, 45.2% of the pregnant women suffer from anemia. The result of anemia are tragic. These include increased maternal and newborn mortality, impaired health and reduced working and productive capacity, etc.

Globally, Iron deficiency is the most widely prevalent micronutrient deficiency affecting children. In India, there is a widespread occurrence of iron deficiency in rural areas as compared to urban areas. According to NFHS-4 2015-2016, 60.9% of the children between 06-56 months have severe anemia. Consequences of anemia include an increased risk of cognitive development in children, increased numbers of premature and low birth weight babies.

Education does wonders to the human mind and personality. Good education makes people realize the struggle and problems in society and ends social disparities existing among people. Education empowers and enlightens minds that will be able to conceive good thoughts and ideas. It makes people thinking about decisions analytically and encourages people to remove injustice and help others in receiving the opportunities that can make their lives better and sustainable in every possible way.

Economic inequality in gender is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between men and women. In most countries, there is a substantial gap between the salary earned by men and women, in the workplace. All over the world men tend to earn more than women. Women are often underrepresented in a senior position within firms.

Gender inequalities refer to discrimination of women in society. Research shows gender discrimination mostly in favour of men in many spheres of life including the workplace. Gender inequalities affect the profession of women, which directly affect the career development of females in society. In terms of employment as well as promotion in work and occupation, women often face greater handicap than men.

Gender division is often socially constructed and perceived as natural or biological, even though it is largely a result of societal roles and expectations.