The age of the strata is used to calculate the age of archaeological finds.
Stratification is the act and result of stratifying . This verb (stratify), in turn, refers to ordering in strata .
Layout in strata
A stratum, meanwhile, is a set of pieces or elements that make up a larger entity and that are grouped by certain common characteristics. Strata can be associated with levels or layers .
Returning to the idea of stratification, it refers to an arrangement in strata . The concept appears in multiple areas, acquiring various nuances and specific meanings.
For archeology
In archaeology , analyzing stratification is key to determining the age of finds . When excavations are carried out, the extracted earth is carefully arranged: thus, when an object is detected, depending on the stratum in question, it is possible to reach various conclusions.
This is possible because we know that each stratum emerged at a different time in history, so it is possible to use its age as a reference point . If the stratum in which an object is found is not carefully documented, the dating work can be seriously compromised.
Stratification in the field of geology is something that occurs naturally, but that humans take advantage of through stratigraphy , the branch of geology that studies strata and their relationships. The origins of this discipline date back to the first half of the 19th century, although there is older evidence from strata dating studies.
in geology
In the field of geology , stratification is linked to how the strata of a terrain are distributed . In this case, the strata must be understood as layers that have a fairly uniform thickness and that overlap.
When analyzing the stratification of a canyon, for example, we find the oldest stratum at the bottom (the base ) and the most recent stratum in the upper sector (the roof ). Other layers can be detected in the middle.
Social stratification
Social stratification , on the other hand, is related to the classes that can be recognized within a society . Using certain criteria, people are categorized into a pyramid that reflects existing inequalities.
Many times social stratification is carried out according to income . In this way, the poorest class occupies the bottom level of the pyramid, while the richest class is at the top. This is said very easily, but far from cold analysis is the experience of each person, of the study subjects, many of whom must suffer firsthand the characteristics of the stratum with which they are related.
Social inequality is one of humanity's most serious problems.
For this social inequality to exist, it is mandatory that a hierarchy has been established. Although in principle we could theorize that hierarchy could have appeared spontaneously, as a result of a natural specialization within each community, today the organization of societies is carried out following multitudes of pre-established norms and rules that do not allow room for improvisation. From the moment of birth we are judged by our "origin", we are linked to a social stratum before we learn to speak.
One of the points to take into account when studying social stratification is the historical context , where various aspects come into play, such as the political, economic and social situation, both local and global. Like any analysis of human reality, this cannot be absolutely objective or univocal: a painting can evoke poverty in one country but normality in another. Furthermore, once this hierarchical division is determined it must remain firm during the period in which the context does not vary; That is, the results cannot vary very frequently.