Kathoey

In the socially stratified society where everyone tries to attain power at the detriment of others, the representation of authority

Social inequality is a problematic phenomenon that occurs all around the world and affects both the developed and developing nations. It is defined as “the unequal distribution of social, political and economic resources within a social collective” (van Krieken et al. 2013, p. 205). Inequality is closely connected with social stratification, a system of social hierarchy that positions individuals and groups into categories according to social variables such as class or ethnicity (van Krieken et al. 2013, p. 485). This stratification has a significant impact on the opportunity that an individual may have to move up the hierarchy of inequality (Gill 2017a).

When the resources in a society are distributed unevenly it leads to social inequality. Often inequality is understood as being socio-economic and it is now closely associated with social inequality. “Social inequalities are differences in income, resources, power and status within and between societies. Such inequalities are maintained by those in powerful positions via institutions and social processes.” (Warwick-Booth, 2013 p.2)

For example, taking into account Nisbett, Cohen and Hofstedes studies, we assume how a specific cultural belief, tradition and attitude become part of the person and not just of his/her surroundings. For example, Hofstedes dimension called “Power Distance Index” (PDI), is concerned with attitudes towards authority and hierarchy. This cultural perception makes a huge difference in how people feel with their superiors and how they react to control-authority, -father like figures.

Power Distance dimension according to Hofstede (2010) shows the degree of less or more accepts of inequalities within a culture; Canada was 94 while the Philippines was 32 clearly difference; therefore, showing one culture accept power inequalities more than the other. Power distance lower ranking is showing a culture expect and accept relationship that are more democratic. On the other hand, higher ranking accepts hierarchical. This cultural may believe that who every holds the power is right. On the Power Distance Index Hallale find that individuals have a solid dislike with saying "no'! especially in Asian nations. Saying no may be seen as form of disrespect Hallale (2013). I lived in the Philippines when President Ferdinand E. Marcos was President and the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino. At that time, I was unaware of a hierarchical society but thinking back; I can now see how 32 power distance scale ranking is believable because social positions and statuses have more prestige in their culture. While working, and traveling to Canada; I was able to see human equality especially with respect to socials issues; rules are used to determine what is right; for example, health care. all

Society as a stratification system that is based on a hierarchy of power , the ability

Kathy Witterick (38) and David Stocker (39) are the parents of Jazz (5), Kio (2), and Storm; who is being raised genderless. Storm’s gender has not been disclosed to anyone other than their family. The family receives a lot of questions about the child’s gender but they just brush it off. This all started when Jazz, born a boy, decided he liked girlish items. Many have said they are leading their children’s lives to a life full of bullying and ridicule. Witterick and Stocker believe they are giving their children the freedom of being who they want to be.

First, power distance is the first dimension in Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions. Power distance is the “extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.” (Hofstede, 2017). When comparing China and the United States, China had twice as high power distance score than the United States. The high-power distance score in China shows that it is acceptable to have inequalities in their society, and that the people accept and expect power is distributed unequally.

In examining the relationship between those who hold power and those who have status, when one holds power but doesn’t have the status to go with it, there is often negative behavior that follows. “Across

Income inequality is a phenomenon that is undeniably real in our current world, and more specifically, the present United States. Canon describes how the gap between the elite and the poor has been consistently growing for many years and continues to widen (189). Whether the differences between the top and the bottom are a threat to current society is another story. Does income inequality undermine a democracy? Ray Williams argues that societies are strongest when they have a higher rate of equality while George Will challenges that inequality is the very basis of what make democratic processes. A. Barton Hinkle takes a Libertarian approach to the idea that inequality is threatening to democracy and how it can be fixed. Some threats that each article addressed were economic impacts, civility, and fairness. Overall, there is a definite need to evaluate whether the United States democracy is being threatened due to the continuous rise of the elites and the fall of the working class.

Lower power distance scores reflect more equal or flat environment where management and employees are considered equals.

Power Distance is the dimension that deals with the fact that all individuals in societies are not equal it expresses the attitude of the culture towards these inequalities amongst us. At 80 China sits in the higher rankings of power distance a society that believes that inequalities amongst people are acceptable, therefore subordinate-superior relationship tends to be polarized and there is no defence against power abuse by superiors. Individuals are influenced by formal authority and sanctions and are in general optimistic about people’s capacity for leadership and initiative. People

It has to do with the fact that a society’s inequality is endorsed by the followers as much as by the leaders

1. Power distance index (PDI): The degree to which the less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.

According to the Royal Thai Academy, their dictionary defines that Kathoey means ‘a person with both male and female sexual organs and/or characteristics’ or ‘person who believes that they were born to the wrong sex’ (MG). Even this textbook definition covers a broad range of individuals. Under this definition, categories of people such as hermaphrodites, transgendered, cross-dressers, intersex and the alike could/can be included (MG).