Theories of Social Inequality Essay - 881 Words

Theories of Social Inequality In briefly evaluating the classical and modern explanations of social inequality, it is essential that we step outside the realm of our own lives, class position, and discard any assumptions we might have about the nature of inequality. This process of critical pedagogy allows us to view our world, not from our perspective, but from a wider, more critical analysis of inequalitys nature. Also, it should be considered within this wider perspective that all theories of inequality have a class perspective, where the theorist, based on the position their theory takes, is making claims from (or for) a particular class (whether they want to or not). With this in mind, it seems that most of these theories come†¦show more content†¦Within this structure, Weber describes there being three dimensions of inequality: class (which correlates with the economy), status (which correlates with the social aspects of society), and party (which correlates with the political aspects of society). I believe most of the modern explanations of inequality, at most, help build upon Webers general theories, and at least, reflect the same elitist pessimism that Weber also holds. The dual-labor market thesis contends that there are two labor markets (in terms of income), in which the higher income market is of primary importance and the lower income market is of secondary importance. This tries to justify those people within high power positions by (somehow) trying to prove that our system is objectively rewarding higher incomes to professions that have higher social importance than lower income professions. Similarly, the functionalist theory of stratification views societies as social systems that have certain basic problems to solve or functions that have to be performed if the society is to survive (243). So the reason for inequality, for functionalists, is because our system must reward (with significantly higher incomes) those individuals who are motivated enough to yield the stresses of such functionally important positions. The fact that our system reproduces classes into the same class assumes theShow MoreRelatedCumulative Inequality Theory And Social Science1166 Words   |  5 PagesFerraro et al. (2009) developed cumulative inequality theory by integrating various theories in a systematic way incorporating elements of both macro and micro sociological content. In order to clarify the meaning of cumulative inequality theory, Ferraro et al., (2009) offered many inter-related axioms- and propositions that aided in the further development of the theory. While developing the theory, the authors critiqued the cumulative advantage/disadvantage theory and provided their rationale for whyRead MoreSocial Disorganization Theory And Racial Inequality1872 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction There has been serval research studies that are dedicated to describing the social disorganization theory and racial inequality, that are so often found in certain communities, but although there are serval studies done there seems to be very little data to support racial inequality. The ethnic and racial minorities are always overrepresented when we look at violent crimes, arrests, and other criminal acts or behavior within the lower class communities or neighborhoods, because of theRead MoreMarx And Durkheim s Theory Of Social Inequality933 Words   |  4 PagesDurkheim can be readily applied to social inequality in the context of present day Canada. 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Marx on the other hand, views society as divided intoRead MoreNeo-Marxist Contribution to Theories O Social Class Inequality884 Words   |  4 Pagesyou say that Neo-Marxist have contributed to the continuing relevance of theories of social class inequality today? Social class inequality can be defined as the existence of socially created inequalities among and within classes. They can be attributed to various factors such as race, colour, ethnicity, gender, income, etc. It is arguable that inequalities that exist in post-independence societies as well as the inequalities which exist between nations can be directly traced back to the exploitativeRead MoreTheories on Social Inequality from a Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic-Interactionist Points of View670 Words   |  3 PagesSocial inequality is the issue pertaining to the lack of housing, health care, education, employment opportunities, and status. 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James Fulcher and John Scott (p.21, 2011) explain why theories of sociologists in past time and todays modern so-ciety are so important and why they can still be relevant today, â€Å"theory is or should be an attempt to describe and explain the real world, it is impossible to know any-thing about the real world without drawing on some kind of theoretical ideas.† Per-ceptionsRead MoreThe Conflict Theory883 Words   |  4 PagesPaul Wise The Conflict Theory This paper will talk about what The Conflict Theory is, and who it was derived from. It will also give, and explain an example of what The Conflict Theory pertains to in modern society. The Conflict Theory focuses on the negative aspects of society as opposed to most other theories which tend to focus more on the positive aspects of society. It pays more attention to things like race, gender and social class because they are seen as grounds for the worst strugglesRead MoreSocial Capital And Neighborhood Effects758 Words   |  4 PagesScholars of social capital and neighborhood effects theories have shown that social ties and neighborhoods contribute to differential individual outcomes and perpetuate overall social inequality. However, a more recent cohort of scholars argues that these existing theories fall short in several ways as they fail to answer questions like â€Å"How do people make social ties?† and â€Å"What constitutes a neighborhood and how does it matter?† Mario Small investigates the development of social ties among mothersRead MoreThe Social Problems in Communities 1624 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Social problems are undesirable conditions that relate to the way in which a majority of people in society perceive certain issues. Social problems may also be referred to social ills or issues. People from diverse communities may perceive social problems differently and have varied solutions to these issues (Stark, 2007). Social problems differ from personal problems where issues are dealt with at an individual level. On the other hand, social problems may destroy values held collectively