Stratification systems are either closed, meaning they allow little change in social position, or open, meaning they allow movement and interaction between the layers. A caste system is one in which social standing is based on ascribed status or birth.

Global stratification refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, power, prestige, resources, and influence among the world’s nations. Put more simply, there is an extreme difference between the richest and poorest nations.

The view that global stratification results from a failure of poor nations to have the beliefs, values, and practices necessary for industrialization and rapid economic growth. The view that global stratification results from colonialization and exploitation of the poorest nations by the richest ones.

Traditional caste system in India is an example of closed system. In and open system individuals are assigned to different positions in the social structure on the basis of their merit or achievement.

An open system describes a society with mobility between different social classes. Individuals can move up or down in the social rankings; this is unlike closed systems, where individuals are set in one social position for life despite their achievements.

Class stratification is a form of social stratification in which a society is separated into parties whose members have different access to resources and power. An economic, natural, cultural, religious, interests and ideal rift usually exists between different classes.

A caste is a form of social stratification determined by one single factor i.e. ritualistic legitimation of authority. Class of a person is based on multiple factors like economic status, education, power, achievements etc.

The traditional Indian society has been characterized as a closed system because of the dominance of caste and religious factors. This type of system gave rise to a caste-based hierarchy with structured social inequality.