Abstract: Body exists in social groups and its wellbeing and development are affected by its position in social structure. The existing literature on the subject rarely looks at the issue from microscopic perspective to determine how one's social status influences his/her body health, nor does it separate physical health from mental health. This study attempts to answer questions of how social stratification influences physical health, to what extent such influences work through social psychological mechanism and what kind of psychological mechanism it might be, and finally, if there is a possibility for positive intervention. Data on variables such as daily activities, job participation, physical pain, and agility of arms and legs besides self-reported health from the China General Social Survey in 2010 (CGSS2010) were examined. The study distinguishes physical health from mental health and applies a multidisciplinary approach of sociology and social psychology. It concludes from analyzing the empirical data that physical fitness is somewhat shaped by social stratification. Social psychological factors such as class identification, intergroup prejudice, learned helplessness, and emotional support are facilitative variables in this shaping process. Social interaction reinforces social statuses but can also become a way for individuals to overcome the psychological embodiment of social stratification.

Key words: social stratification, physical fitness, intergroup prejudice, psychological mechanism, learned helpless