Which term describes a privileged group at the top of a stratification system?

Which term describes a privileged group at the top of a stratification system?

• A. Elite
• B. Material
• C. Culture
• D. Linguistic

Answer: (A)

In social stratification, a small group that enjoys privileged access to resources, power, and prestige sits at the top. This group is described as the elite. The term captures their overall influence across politics, economy, education, and media, not just their wealth. It reflects their position as a distinct stratum with disproportionate control over opportunities and institutions. The other terms point to things rather than to people: material refers to wealth and possessions, culture refers to shared beliefs and practices, and linguistic refers to language differences. They describe aspects of society, not the specific group that holds the top-layer privileges.

In social stratification, a small group that enjoys privileged access to resources, power, and prestige sits at the top. This group is described as the elite. The term captures their overall influence across politics, economy, education, and media, not just their wealth. It reflects their position as a distinct stratum with disproportionate control over opportunities and institutions.

The other terms point to things rather than to people: material refers to wealth and possessions, culture refers to shared beliefs and practices, and linguistic refers to language differences. They describe aspects of society, not the specific group that holds the top-layer privileges.