An underlying assumption of age stratification is that:
A) all societies group people into social categories.
B) all societies rank individuals on ascribed characteristics.
C) all societies rank individuals on achieved characteristics.
D) there are similar social structures in all societies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory is based on the assumption that all societies group people into social categories by age. Age is an ascribed characteristic, meaning it is assigned at birth and is not within an individual's control. As such, the theory focuses on how this ascribed characteristic affects an individual's opportunities and life chances within the society. While ranking individuals based on achieved characteristics is also present in some societies, it is not the underlying assumption of age stratification theory. Likewise, the assumption does not imply that all societies have similar social structures, but rather that age serves as a basis for categorization in all societies.

An Underlying Assumption of Age Stratification Is That