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SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND HOW IT CAUSES VARIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN TODAY’S WORLD

This article discusses social stratification, which is the arrangement of any group or society into a hierarchy of positions that are unequal with regard to power, property, social evaluation, and psychic gratification. It highlights how social problems were created in the past, continue in the present, and may persist in the future due to social stratification. Examples include mob lynching and cyberbullying. The article explains why these problems occur because of social stratification and how such acts cannot be justified under the Indian Constitution, being punishable under the Indian Penal Code. Suggestions to address or prevent these social problems are discussed, including appointing nodal police officers, enacting stricter laws, establishing fast-track courts, and creating awareness through seminars and conferences.

According to Melvin M. Tumin, "Social stratification is the arrangement of any group or society into a hierarchy of positions that are unequal with regard to power, property, social evaluation and psychic gratification.” Talcott Parsons regards social stratification as the differential ranking of human beings within a social structure, treating them as superior and inferior in socially significant respects. Tumin explains that "To the extent that loyalty to a society depends on a sense of significant membership in the society, social stratification systems function to distribute loyalty unequally in the population."

HOW SOCIAL STRATIFICATION LEADS TO VARIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Social Stratification and Loyalty

Social stratification and loyalty are interconnected, as social stratification divides people into different categories such as caste, religion, gender, etc., each with its own culture and emotional connections. Dominant groups often suppress other groups, leading to social problems. Loyalty to one's own group often results in negative relationships with other groups, causing conflicts and differences.

Examples of Social Problems

Mob Lynching

• Definition: Mob lynching involves a group of people killing someone for an alleged offense without a legal trial.
• Example 1: Asif Khan from Haryana was lynched by a mob from another community. He was forced to say “Jai Shri Ram” before being killed, indicating religious-based social stratification.
• Example 2: The Khairlanji massacre involved the lynching of a Dalit family by upper-caste members, showing caste-based social stratification.

Cyberbullying

• Definition: Cyberbullying involves bullying, harassing, or threatening someone over the internet using digital devices.
• Example 1: Rashmi Samant, an Indian student at Oxford University, faced cyberbullying for her Hindu identity and past social media posts.
• Example 2: David Knight was bullied online by classmates who created a website to harass him, calling him names and making sexual comments, due to his third-gender status and appearance.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PUNISHMENTS

Mob Lynching

The Supreme Court described mob lynching as a "horrendous act of mobocracy" in 2018 and urged governments to enact legislation specifically addressing this crime. States like Manipur, Rajasthan, and West Bengal have passed bills against mob lynching, with strict punishments including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Cyberbullying

While there is no specific law for cyberbullying in India, it is punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also implemented anti-ragging laws to curb cyberbullying in educational institutions.

Sections	Punishment Details
302	Punishment for murder: death or life imprisonment
304	Culpable homicide not amounting to murder: imprisonment up to ten years, a fine, or both
34	Acts done by several persons with common intention: equal responsibility
120 ‘B’	Criminal conspiracy: punishment for all involved
143	Unlawful assembly: imprisonment up to six months
325	Causing grievous hurt: punishment for causing serious harm
147	Rioting: punishment for using force or violence in unlawful assembly

SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS OR PREVENT THESE SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Appointment of Nodal Police Officers

• Identify regions prone to lynching.
• Officers responsible for preventing lynching and controlling hostile environments.
• Prevent the spread of inciting materials.

Stricter Laws and Fast-Track Courts

• Enact strict laws with harsh punishments to deter offenders.
• Establish fast-track courts for swift and fair judgments.

Awareness Campaigns