6 Social stratification
Social stratification is when different groups in society are given different values. Depending on the privilege we have, we tend to have an understanding and are usually assigned more value in society. For example, cisgendered, able-bodied men have high value in society, than a LGBTQ+ person. When you look around the post-secondary campus, people are socially stratified based on many different aspects of their society. In this section, we will examine what identity markers can socially stratify groups.
Pause and reflect
The Power and Privilege Wheel Activity
This wheel shows how different aspects of identity can relate to power and privilege in society. Categories closer to the centre generally represent greater social power or privilege, while those toward the outer edge represent greater marginalization.
Most people do not fit entirely into one ring. We may experience privilege in some parts of our lives and marginalization in others.
Explore the wheel
Click the i 
icons on the wheel to learn more about each category.
As you explore, think about where you might place yourself on different sections of the wheel. You do not need to share any personal information that you are uncomfortable discussing.
Interactive Wheel of Privilege from Communication Strategies: Effective Practices for Natural Resource Professionals by Dr. Aubrey Neil Leveridge (2024), BCcampus. The activity is based on Greta Bauer’s (2021) Wheel of Power/Privilege, itself adapted from Sylvia Duckworth’s original model. H5P licensed CC BY 4.0.
