Patterns of unequal access to social resources are commonly called social inequality. Some social inequality reflects innate differences between individuals, for example, their varying abilities and efforts. Someone may be endowed with exceptional intelligence or talent or have worked very hard to achieve their wealth and status. However, by and large, social inequality is not the outcome of innate or ‘natural’ differences between people but is produced by the society in which they live. Sociologists use social stratification to refer to a system by which categories of people in a community are ranked in a hierarchy.

Which of the following statement is incorrect in the context of social stratification?

Support for systems of inequality is found only among people holding positions of political authority.

The correct answer is option 2: Support for systems of inequality is found only among people holding positions of political authority.

Option 1: It survives because inequality is widely accepted as fair or inevitable. Correct. A system of social stratification continues when unequal social arrangements are viewed as legitimate or unavoidable.

Option 2: Support for systems of inequality is found only among people holding positions of political authority. Incorrect. Beneficiaries of social inequality may support the existing system regardless of whether they hold political power. Restricting such support to political authorities is incorrect.

Option 3: People benefiting from unequal social arrangements are generally less likely to question them. Correct. Those who enjoy greater social privileges often support existing arrangements because they help preserve their advantages.

Option 4: Those experiencing exploitation and humiliation are more likely to challenge existing systems of inequality. Correct. Individuals subjected to discrimination and unequal treatment are more likely to question the beliefs and practices that sustain social hierarchies.