Social differentiation and stratification are concepts used in sociology to understand the hierarchical organization of societies based on various social factors such as wealth, power, prestige, and access to resources.

While they are related, they represent different aspects of social inequality and structure.

Social Differentiation: Social differentiation refers to the process through which societies become more complex by developing distinct social roles, statuses, and identities. It involves the division of labor, specialization, and the emergence of diverse social groups with different functions and characteristics. Social differentiation can occur along various dimensions, including occupation, education, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, and social class. Features:

Division of Labor: Differentiation is often driven by the division of labor, where individuals or groups specialize in specific tasks or occupations based on skills, training, or resources.
Functional Interdependence: Differentiated social roles and groups are often interdependent, meaning they rely on each other to fulfill societal needs and functions. For example, agricultural workers depend on manufacturers for tools and machinery, while manufacturers rely on agricultural products for raw materials.
Increased Complexity: As societies differentiate, they become more complex, with a greater variety of social roles, institutions, and relationships. This complexity can lead to greater diversity but also to potential conflicts and inequalities. Examples:
In modern industrial societies, social differentiation is evident in the division of labor among various professions and occupations, such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and farmers.
Social differentiation also occurs along cultural lines, with different ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups developing distinct identities, customs, and traditions.

Social Stratification: Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society based on their relative social standing, prestige, and access to resources. It involves the ranking of people into social classes or strata, with some groups having more power, wealth, and privileges than others. Social stratification is often perpetuated through social institutions and structures, such as the economy, politics, education, and the legal system. Features:

Inequality: Social stratification is characterized by unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards among different social groups. Those at the top of the hierarchy enjoy greater wealth, status, and influence, while those at the bottom have limited access to resources and face social disadvantages.
Social Mobility: Stratification systems may allow for some degree of social mobility, where individuals or groups can move up or down the social hierarchy based on factors such as education, occupation, and inheritance.
Reproduction of Inequality: Social stratification tends to be self-perpetuating, as advantages and disadvantages are passed down from one generation to the next through mechanisms such as inheritance, education, and social networks. Examples:
Class-based stratification systems, such as capitalism, divide society into distinct social classes based on economic criteria such as income, wealth, and occupation. In capitalist societies, the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) owns the means of production and holds economic power, while the proletariat (working class) sells their labor for wages.
Caste-based stratification systems, such as those found in India, divide society into hereditary social groups with rigid boundaries and limited social mobility. Individuals are born into a particular caste and remain within that caste throughout their lives, with little opportunity to change their social status.

In summary, social differentiation and stratification are central concepts in sociology for understanding the organization and dynamics of societies. While social differentiation refers to the development of diverse social roles and groups within a society, social stratification involves the hierarchical ranking of individuals and groups based on their relative social standing and access to resources. Both concepts contribute to shaping patterns of inequality, social mobility, and social cohesion within societies.