Social inequality differentiates society, divides it into different social groups and classes. Inequality has many facets and it appears in various sections of the unified social system: family, institutions, enterprise and social groups. For normal functioning of society, it is needed the optimal combination of all activities. The society reproduces inequality, because it needs it as a source sustenance and development. In terms of functionalism every society does need a class stratification, since the unequal distribution of social goods serves as a tool for solving problems, allocation and motivation of individuals within the social structure. It concludes that social inequality is useful for society, because social stratification …show more content…
Not everybody can run the country or business, just because of the lack of talent; not everybody can be a doctor or scientist; musician or a plumber. That 's why everybody should do what he is able to and like the most.
Parsons assumed that individuals are born with attributed status, but later due to the education the differentiation process begins by acquiring certain roles. Children are enrolled in primary school relatively homogeneous within their inherent socio-economic status and age. Schools in fact organize a competition between individuals, where the contestants are initially in terms of equal opportunities. Parsons believes that there is dependence between economic background of the family and the ability of the child. Usually children who haven’t any problems at school are living in families with a higher level of culture and income. Such parents do care more about the achievements of their child, they try to encourage their child to school, great achievements and results, which in future might lead to success. They develop children’s skills and talents, involve them to the culture by reading them books, attending theater etc. Usually such parents possess a secondary education. Furthermore, the children of parents with a high level of culture and income often communicating with educated people outside the family (friends of the family) what is playing a huge role on the child life outlook. The same rule but from the other side can be applied to the
Social Stratification can be defined as “the study of whole societies, in comparative perspective, in an attempt to understand processes of social stability and change.” (Scott, Marshall, 2009:735). Nolan and Lenski (2004) stated that social organizations are a basic component of society; consequently, implying that societies are composed of different social classes that are defined by different roles, norms, ranks and values. Moreover, this assignment will Karl Marx’s theory of stratification and asses its usefulness in society today. Firstly, by briefly looking through Marx’s theory, secondly by looking at other theories of stratification:
“Some Principles of Stratification” by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert E. Moore is a great instance of the structural functionalist theory. In the article, it views stratification through the lens of a functionalist and states that stratification doesn’t necessarily lead to conflict, rather we need it in order for society to function. Furthermore, it illustrates the functions of stratification,
In this assignment I will be explaining the concept of an unequal society, be describing social inequalities that exist in society, also I will be discussing the impact of social inequalities on groups in society. Finally I will evaluate the impact of social inequalities in society.
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).
Social inequality is the issue pertaining to the lack of housing, health care, education, employment opportunities, and status. It is the dismissal of people from participation in what we, the members of society distinguish as being valuable, important, socially desirable, and personally worthwhile. There are many different perspectives on social inequality within our society; the three areas I am going to focus on are those of the Functionalist, Conflict and Symbolic-Interactionist.
Structural Functionalism is the understanding of society that presumes social systems are assembled to fill social needs. (Wikibooks, 2012). Social inequality refers to individuals in a society that do not have equal social status. (Wikibooks, 2012). Social inequality is the current situation. Factors contributing to poverty and hunger are the social and economic challenges faced by the family. The number one cause noted for the increase is unemployment of the parent. Closely following this is access to affordable housing. Other influences are low wages, gap between rich and poor, earning disparity between men and women, barriers to affordable child care and health insurance. Inequality is a motivator for people to change. The organizations and institutions are interdependent, when one makes a change the others accommodate by changing as well. The WIC, SNAP and National School Lunch Program have adjusted their entrance criteria to meet the greater needs of the majority of the people.
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)
Inequality is defined as ‘‘The unequal distribution of valued social resources within society or between societies’ (Blakeley & Staples, (2014 ) p13, 25). Thus it is the
Social Inequality refers to any difference between groups or individuals in society which results in one having inferior life chances than the other. Functionalists believe these inequalities are the result of the meritocracy we live in. This is a system based on the idea that social stratification is necessary and desirable for the society. Functionalists argue that inequalities have a purpose; they are functional for society. Functionalism is a structural theory based on the notion that society is based on shared values. This consensus means that society will be in a state of equilibrium and there is harmony, as a result of which there will be social solidarity.
When thinking about social institutions and how they shape society, it becomes clear that they have a very large role in maintaining inequality. The very nature of social institutions make them very hard to change and when an institution begins based on, or allowing for inequality, it can be extremely difficult for things to change.
There is a high degree of social inequality within the United States. Of most modern industrial countries, the United Stated has some of the richest and some of the poorest people to be found. That fact is very disturbing, however, explains why much of the inequality exists in the US. In the following essay I will explain to you about the inequality in our country and why it occurs, based on the theoretical perspectives of a functionalist, conflict theorist, and social interationist.
Inequality is ubiquity in our world, most people are looking at the downside or the surface of this phenomenon. In fact, that inequality is the drive of historical and social progress.
Inequality is one thing that even in modern society does not fully exist no matter as people are described by social class and by income we all never be equal. With
Society has been divided for many years and continues to be. We are not only divided by race but also by class. Class is what determines what your future will look like regardless of how hard you work or don’t. There is a lot of inequality of opportunities, which is defined as, “Differences in people’s opportunities to acquire the rewards offered by their society” (An Introduction to the Study of Social Inequality, p.17). The reality of the truth is that the status of a person determines how fast you will get there. This quote sums up what I am trying to explain about status, “Poor kids who do everything right don’t do better than rich kids who do everything wrong” (Washington Post, 2014).
Structures of social inequality among a group of people are called social stratification. Social stratification is an institutionalized system of power arrangements – of domination and subordination (wealthy vs. poor) because those who retain social power and resources can control and shape the lives of those who lack them (Sage, 1990, pg. 35). Due to each inequality there is an unequal distribution of power among social classes that shape the patterns of peoples social lives.