About this Research Topic

Background

Social stratification is a critical area of sociological research that examines the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on various socio-economic factors. Despite extensive studies, significant gaps remain in understanding the dynamics of social mobility and inertia. Longitudinal survey data, particularly from panel studies, offer unique analytical advantages for this purpose. These studies enable researchers to measure and analyze social change, distinguish between permanent and transitory characteristics, and study both intergenerational and intragenerational patterns of phenomena such as poverty, income dynamics, health conditions, and political positioning. However, there is a need for more robust causal explanations and a deeper understanding of intra-household influences on social stratification. Current research often falls short in disentangling individual causes from household contextual causes and in identifying how factors of change or inertia evolve over time due to legislative or social policy changes.

This research topic aims to leverage longitudinal survey data to explore the dynamics of social stratification. The primary objectives include testing theories for their potential causal explanations, identifying stratifying factors over time, and understanding the impact of intra-household factors on social mobility and inertia. Specific questions of interest include: What are the stratifying factors over time? What dynamics exist? Have novel factors been identified that impact stratification? What role do intra-household factors play in these processes?

To gather further insights into the dynamics of social stratification, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Education and its impact on social mobility
- Employment patterns and material rewards
- Health conditions and practices
- Social networks and their influence on stratification
- Integration and social cohesion
- Political behavior and its effects on social stratification
- Attitudes and values within households
- Comparative analyses using the Cross-National Equivalent File (CNEF)

By focusing on these themes, we aim to advance the understanding of social stratification dynamics and contribute to more effective social policies and interventions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: stratification, inequalities, social class, social dynamics, longitudinal studies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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