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 is not identified by Pierre Bourdieu as a form of capital that contributes to social stratification?

Political capital

The correct answer is Option 4: Political capital

According to Pierre Bourdieu, individuals possess different forms of capital that influence their position in society and contribute to social stratification. These are economic capital (wealth and financial resources), social capital (social networks and relationships), and cultural capital (education, knowledge, skills, language and cultural competencies). Together, these forms of capital shape an individual's life chances and social status.