In every society, some people have a greater share of valued resources – money, property, education, health, and power – than others. 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 may 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.

Which of the following statements about social stratification is incorrect?

Social stratification primarily reflects differences in the abilities and efforts of individuals.

Correct Answer: Option 4- Social stratification primarily reflects differences in the abilities and efforts of individuals.

The passage clearly states that while some social inequality may reflect differences in individuals' abilities, talents, or efforts, "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."

Social stratification refers to structured and institutionalised inequalities in society. Therefore, it cannot be said to primarily reflect individual abilities and efforts. Instead, it is largely shaped and maintained by social institutions and patterns of unequal access to resources.

Option 1: Social stratification is a system of structured inequalities that exists at the societal level. Correct. Social stratification is a characteristic of society and refers to structured inequalities in access to valued resources rather than differences between isolated individuals.

Option 2: Social stratification is sustained through patterns of unequal access to valued resources across generations. Correct. Social stratification persists across generations because unequal access to wealth, education, power and status is often transmitted through social institutions.

Option 3: Social stratification may be influenced by individual achievements, but its persistence depends largely on social institutions. Correct. Individual achievements may affect a person's social position, but the persistence of social stratification is mainly due to the functioning of social institutions and established patterns of inequality.