Open stratification is a type of social stratification system that allows for social mobility between different social classes based on individual achievement and personal merit/09%3A_Stratification_Inequality_and_Social_Class_in_the_U.S./9.04%3A_Social_Mobility/9.4C%3A_Open_vs._Closed_Stratification_Systems). In an open stratification system, the hierarchical social status of a person is achieved through their effort, and any status based on family background, ethnicity, gender, and religion, which is also known as ascribed status, becomes less important. There is no distinct line between the classes, and there would be more positions within each status level. Open stratification systems are characterized by high structural mobility, which means that it is easy to move around between social classes based on the way the society is structured, regardless of individual achievements/09%3A_Stratification_Inequality_and_Social_Class_in_the_U.S./9.04%3A_Social_Mobility/9.4C%3A_Open_vs._Closed_Stratification_Systems).

In contrast, closed stratification systems allow for little mobility between levels, while open stratification systems enable people to rise between them. Closed systems are typically based on ascribed status or some trait from birth, and they do not allow people to shift levels or permit social relationships between levels.

Sociologists distinguish between different systems of stratification, including slavery, caste systems, feudal/estate systems, and class systems. Open and closed stratification systems are two types of class systems/09%3A_Stratification_Inequality_and_Social_Class_in_the_U.S./9.04%3A_Social_Mobility/9.4C%3A_Open_vs._Closed_Stratification_Systems).