What is defined as "social stratification" in anthropology?

Social stratification in anthropology refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on varying factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. This concept highlights how society organizes itself into structured layers where individuals and groups have different levels of access to resources and opportunities.

The understanding of social stratification is crucial for analyzing how different groups in society interact, create social identities, and experience advantages or disadvantages. This concept also helps anthropologists examine inequality and the social dynamics that result from these hierarchies, leading to a deeper understanding of cultural practices, social mobility, and the impact these arrangements have on individuals' lives.

Other options describe concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of social stratification. For example, the idea of a random distribution of wealth and power is inconsistent with the systematic nature of social hierarchies. Similarly, the notion of equal resource distribution contradicts the foundational principles of stratification, which is fundamentally about uneven distribution. Lastly, cultural practices promoting community living relate more to social cohesion rather than the structured layers of inequality that social stratification addresses.