The growth in resources and control over them often leads to which social outcome?

• A. Social stratification
• B. Egalitarianism
• C. Anarchy
• D. Isolation

Answer: (A)

When resources and control over them grow, power and wealth tend to concentrate in the hands of a few. That concentration creates distinct social layers based on who owns or controls the resources, who has access to opportunities, and who wields influence. Over time these differences solidify into a hierarchy—a system of social stratification with elites at the top and others arranged in ranks below. This pattern is seen in many eras, from landowners and peasants in early agrarian societies to owners and workers in industrial and modern economies. Egalitarianism would require widespread equal sharing, which is unlikely when control of resources is concentrated. Anarchy refers to the absence of a governing structure, not a typical outcome of resource growth. Isolation isn’t an automatic result either, since resource expansion often leads to more connections through markets and institutions. So the best answer is social stratification.