What does the term social stratification refer to?

The term social stratification refers to the categorization of people based on attributes such as wealth, prestige, and power. This concept illustrates how society organizes individuals into hierarchical layers, where different levels of resources and opportunities can lead to varying life experiences. Social stratification is a fundamental aspect of sociology that helps in understanding how factors like economic status, educational attainment, and social influence contribute to the structure of society.

The other choices address distinct aspects of social behavior or societal interactions that, while relevant, do not encapsulate the essence of social stratification. Voluntary associations refer to groups formed around shared interests, the rise and fall of societal norms pertain to cultural evolution, and the formation of social networks focuses on relationships and connections rather than the systemic ranking of individuals according to socio-economic criteria. Thus, the selected answer effectively captures the central theme of social stratification.