Final answer:
The three most important factors determining one's social stratification are power, prestige, and wealth. These influence an individual's ability to ascend or descend the social ladder, their standard of living, and available opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three most important variables in determining one's place in the social stratification system are power, prestige, and wealth. Power is defined as the level of authority one has over others, while prestige reflects the level of status and respect a person commands. Finally, wealth refers to the net value of money and assets a person has, alongside their income from wages or investments. Together, these factors greatly affect an individual’s ability to move up or down the social classes, influence their standard of living, and dictate the range of opportunities available to them. Additionally, social stratification is often influenced by family ancestry, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and personal achievements, all of which can play a role in the likelihood of rising up in social standing.