Social stratification is how a society classifies and respects different classes. Depending on the culture, this can mean how much respect someone will get, the opportunities they will receive, and the daily treatment they get, or it can mean nothing at all. The main platform of some cultures (such as the American one) is a very strong belief in strict social stratification, this is called a closed social stratification system. While other cultures (like Japan) are based on togetherness and not classism as an indicator of respect and power. In Egypt, over the years, the stratification system has opened up enormously (Schneider 226), especially when compared to the American one. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The way I taught myself about social stratification is by remembering that it is two parts: how easy or difficult success can make it for an individual, and how much respect you will earn when you succeed. In Egypt's past, young people could only succeed if their parents were wealthy or landowners (Schneider 226). Understandably, but unfortunately, that's how it usually works. While it wasn't frowned upon for someone who wasn't born rich to aspire to be successful and abundant in their wealth (fiscal or mental (education)), it simply wasn't feasible. After the 1952 revolution, new opportunities arose and the playing field became much more equal. Not long after, in 2011, young people stood up for themselves and change and revolutionized Egypt more than they ever imagined (Schneider 231). Although it caused problems during and for a short period of time after, the revolution was successful and the army handled it better than anyone else in the Middle East (Schneider 234). Opportunities may be reduced due to the large population (Schneider 227), but Egyptians are not biased against those who beat the odds. In Egypt, because opportunity is impartial, so is the respect you earn if you decide to succeed and prosper in your life. Although the rich boast more than the middle and lower class, (Schneider 220) it is well known that someone born into the middle or lower class is very likely to reach the upper class. In America, our social stratification could be seen as extremely closed or extremely open. We give everyone the opportunity to succeed but we also lean heavily into classism. The way I see it, no one wants to respect, help or support an individual who is working hard to achieve their goals, but when they finally do it seems like those same people who were doubting, want to celebrate alongside them. You could argue that I see things this way because I'm in high school and that's how teenagers behave, however I truly believe that's how it is in the business world too. How many banks want to grant a business loan to a young entrepreneur to start an operation that they have dreamed of, planned and had to heart for years? Probably not many, this is not to blame the bank at all; it is completely logistical that banks do not want to give their money to unreliable and unrealistic young people. However, it can stop someone from following their dreams. How many family members would help you if that were the case? Would you like a business partner? Do you honestly think anyone would risk their financial situation for your dreams? If so, that's great, but I'm confident in saying that I don't know many people who would do the same for me. However, I know a few who would have tried.