Power, then should be considered as a separate dimension of stratification. As it is not merely economic but non-economic factors also influence the ability to control others. Moreover, as Amos Hawley notes, ‘every social act is a power equation, and every social group or system is an organisation of power. Power, than, is an important and pervasive aspect of stratification. All that stratifies a society has an element of power in it. Devoid of power, stratification would lose its shape. Caste, Estate, Class, Race and Gender all subsume power in itself. They have their respective power structure. The power to dominate. The power to rule over others, making a minority of them. This is how power is there is in the various forms of stratification.

In caste, social power is based on birth, cultural heritage, values tradition commensality, endogamy, exogamy and pollution-purity. In class structure, power is based on economic standing, occupation, education, access to resources and life-style. In race, power is based on colour, discrimination, physical abuse, ostracisation etc. So far as gender is concerned power gets manifested in the differential rights of women and men, social outings, social contacts, socialisation, education, law, sexual harassment and crimes, sordid customs like sati, dowry, devadasi etc.

Power is a very important dimension of social stratification. In a way it is the basis of all other dimensions like economic standing and social prestige and of the forms of stratification such as caste, race and gender. In fact, understanding social stratification without reference to power would remain incomplete.

Indian society

In traditional societies, the rewards of power, wealth, and status have generally gone hand in hand. It has been accepted as “natural” that the rich should rule, that rulers should be rich, and that all others should serve and obey. The Indian caste system is a case in point. These principles are now being challenged in the developing societies, where an unequal power distribution has been strongly supported by tradition and religious belief.