1.
a society structured around distinct layers or classes — with people divided by wealth, occupation, education, or social rank, and limited mobility between the layers
A sociological term for any society in which social classes (階層) are clearly differentiated. It can describe historical class-based societies (feudal Japan, Victorian Britain), contemporary societies with sharp inequalities, or ideal-type models in the social sciences.
There are claims that inequality is widening and that the stratified society is becoming entrenched.
Composed of 階層 ("layer, stratum, social class") + 社会 ("society"). Used in sociology, journalism, and commentary on inequality.
Usage
- Frequently appears in discussions of 格差 ("inequality, gap") and 分断 ("social division").
- Often paired with 固定化 ("entrenchment") or 流動性の低い ("having low mobility") to describe how hard it is to move between classes.
- Has a somewhat critical or concerned tone — it is typically used when lamenting inequality rather than describing neutral social structure.
Common collocations
- 階層社会の固定化: the entrenchment of a class society
- 階層社会に陥る: to fall into a stratified society
- 階層社会の弊害: the harmful effects of a class society
- 日本は階層社会だ: Japan is a class society
Similar words
- 格差社会: an inequality society — emphasizes the gap itself rather than the layered structure.
- 階級社会: a class society — stronger, often Marxist connotation; 階層 is more neutral sociologically.
- 身分社会: a status-based society — implies formal, often hereditary, status distinctions (e.g., feudal society).
- 平等社会: an egalitarian society — the opposite concept.
Related Words
Compare:
格差社会 (an inequality society)