China, in the transformational period of her societal structure, has become more visibly stratified, with the wealthy and the poor being further polarized and social conflicts increasingly intensified. It is theoretically and practically vital to study how to sustain social stability, promote social harmony and ensure people’s equal share of the achievements of economic reform and social development. Upon the review of the theories and methods in the area of social stratification used both at home and abroad, and the analysis of the social stratification in China from past to present, the author proposes that an upgraded transformation from a stratified society to a harmonious one will be possible only via building a healthy social mobility mechanism and creating a substantial middle class. Furthermore, eliminating inequality, preventing disturbances, valuing education and tearing down barriers to social mobility should be put into action.
