ABSTRACT
Stratification systems may be characterized in various ways. Surely one of the most important has to do with the processes by which individuals become located, or locate themselves, in positions in the hierarchy comprising the system. Whenever the stratification system of any moderately large and complex society is described, it is seen to involve both ascriptive and achievement principles. In a liberal democratic society the more basic principle as being that of achievement. Some ascriptive features of the system may be regarded as vestiges of an epoch, to be extirpated as rapidly as possible. This chapter examines five variables: V: Father's educational attainment, X: Father's occupational status, U: Respondent's educational attainment, W: Status of respondent's first job, Y: Status of respondent's occupation. A study of the relationships among these variables leads to a formulation of a basic model of the process of stratification.
