Ordinal segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2009
United States

Definition

Ordinal segregation refers to the practice of dividing or segregating individuals based on their ordinal position or rank in a particular group, such as a hierarchy or social class. This can be seen in various aspects of society, including education, employment, and political systems.

For example, in education, ordinal segregation may manifest as tracking or ability grouping, where students are placed into different classes or programs based on their academic performance or abilities. This can result in unequal access to resources and opportunities, leading to disparities in educational outcomes.

In the workplace, ordinal segregation can occur through the hierarchical structure of organizations, where individuals in higher positions have more power, privileges, and opportunities compared to those in lower positions. This can contribute to income inequality and limited upward mobility for individuals in lower ranks.

Ordinal segregation can also be observed in political contexts, where certain groups or classes are granted more political power and influence than others. This can result in unequal representation and decision-making processes, further exacerbating social inequalities.

Overall, ordinal segregation perpetuates social stratification and reinforces systems of privilege and disadvantage based on one's position or rank within a particular group or society.

SF Synonyms

None