Stratify means to divide into distinct layers or categories. It can refer to different classes in a hierarchical structure, or it can mean to organize people or things into distinct hierarchical levels based on some set of criteria. Stratification is a way of grouping things together in an ordered way. This can be based on occupation, wealth, race, or a host of other variables. The result of stratification is that certain groups are more advantaged than others in society. The purpose of stratification is usually to maintain certain power dynamics.