The functions of prestige in social stratification

Abstract

The hierarchy of prestige is considered one of the basic dimensions of social inequalities. It has been evolving throughout the centuries, as have class stratification, power relations and other dimensions of social hierarchy. Based on my own reflections and referring in part to empirical research, I make an attempt to answer the question of how the issue of prestige appears in Poland. The goal is to consider whether the role of prestige in social stratification is increasing or rather declining.