If the video doesn’t load please try refreshing the page. If the problem persists make sure you have the latest version of the Flash player or watch the videos on our RecAPP iPhone and iPod application.

Class stratification. That’s the fancy way of describing the first of George Orwell’s themes in Animal Farm. Here’s the scoop in plain English, at least according to Orwell: Equality doesn’t really exist because societies have a natural tendency to split into upper and lower classes.

Video Transcription:

When Orwell had something to say, the guy had something to say. That’s why his themes shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Here’s Orwell’s first message: Societies have a natural tendency to divide into upper and lower classes.

When the animals first overthrow Mr. Jones, it’s for every creature’s benefit. They plan to create a society in which all animals are equal—and in which labor and rewards are shared equally.

But think about how quickly that breaks down. The narrator almost immediately distinguishes between the animals, like the pigs, who are more clever, and the animals, like the sheep, who aren’t quite so bright. And before long, the pigs are the ruling class, and there’s a new commandment at Animal Farm: All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

OK, it sounds absurd in this context. I mean, really. Who could think that way?

Well, Orwell has news for you: That kind of thinking happens all the time. In other words, class stratification is inevitable. And it’s bad. And we need to be alert to it.

In fact, Orwell even outlines the kind of scenario in which equality almost inevitably crumbles. Just look at Animal Farm. Once the animals are no longer unified against a common enemy, it’s only a matter of time before they become internally divided—and unequal classes emerge.