Designed for use as supplementary instructional material in a cultural anthropology course, this learning module introduces students to the basic concepts of social stratification, one of the more controversial areas of contemporary social theory. An overview is provided of the explanations that have been put forth by social philosophers for stratification. Traits influencing social stratification are discussed including population size, level of technology, and mode of economic adaptation. Religious arguments for social stratification are juxtaposed with Marx's theory of the dialectic of materialism. Marxist concepts of conflict analysis, bourgeoisie, petty bourgeoisie, proletariat, and lumpenproletariat are defined and discussed. Aspects of class conflict, models of social class, and influences on social mobility are also examined. Finally, performance activities covering the module's content are presented. (EJV)