The Realities of Social Inequalities - 1658 Words

The concept of class stratification in relation to the average person within the US tends to be confused by the promises the United States advertises: a land of opportunity where if you work hard enough, you can achieve your dreams of wealth and prosperity, despite your background. It is reported that most Americans, 42 %, believe that they fall within the middle class (Gallup Poll, 2012). However according to a report released by the Pew Research, the middle class has experienced shrinking and there has been an increase in the number of people reporting identification with the lower-middle and lower classes (Pew Research 2012). Additionally, the so-labeled â€Å"Free World,† is often depicted as one that promotes equality. However, complete gender equality, like other ideals the US holds dear, are not fully practiced within society. It is widely said that â€Å"females make 75 cents to their male counterparts dollar† (Hegewisch, Williams 2013). The subject of societal inequalities has provoked great debate and consequently been approached by a number theories to explain, and at times justify, the realities we face as a society on a daily basis. Two such approaches, Functionalism and Conflict Theory have taken opposing but compelling stances on deciphering the reasoning behind the inequalities present in todays society. A clearly defined class structure exists within the United States and can be tied to the issue of income inequality. The upper class (earning $300,000)Show MoreRelatedThe Works Of Richard Robbins : Global Problem And The Culture Of Capitalism1268 Words   |  6 PagesAllan Johnson, Privilege, Power, and Difference, address privilege, inequality, and capitalism through sociological and historical references. Through reading and analyzing these works along with our class lectures it has become apparent that there is a clear relationship between these systems. Capitalism causes and enforces systems of inequality and privilege. Capitalism is able to do this through the construct of social reality, the matrix of capitalist domination: segmentation of class, genderRead MoreSociological Research On Social And Class Differences1349 Words   |  6 Pages Various statistical techniques are used in sociological research in order to study the social world. These may include measures to descr ibe data dispersion, as well as analytical methods such as latent class analysis. Each technique can provide distinct approaches to answering a research question, as they may emphasize specific factors or lead to different ways to structure results. Consequently, it becomes particularly important to consider one’s choice of measures and methods, as depending onRead MoreCauses Of Income Inequality999 Words   |  4 PagesIncome inequality has affected American citizens ever since the American Dream came to existence. The American Dream is centered around the concept of working hard and earning enough money to support a family, own a home, send children to college, and invest for retirement. Economic gains in income are one of the only possible ways to achieve enough wealth to fulfill the dream. Unfortunately, many people cannot achieve this dream due to low income. Income inequality refers to the uneven distributionRead MoreEssay about Death of the American Dream1042 Words   |  5 PagesAmerica: Myths and Realities published in  Re-Reading America Cultural Context  (2009) Economist Gregory Mantsios believes that the American people refrain from discussing class distinctions and its impact on our lives and instead revel in the notion that these differences are not relevant to American society. Whether class structure is parted into general categories of upper, middle or lower class, the concept of class distinction is polarized in American society. Income inequality, the defining challengeRead MoreIncome Inequality Essay938 Words   |  4 PagesIncome inequality has affected American citizens ever since the American Dream came to existence. The American Dream is centered around the concept of working hard and earning enough money to support a family, own a home, send children to college, and invest for retirement. Economic gains in income are one of the only possible ways to achieve enough wealth to fulfill the dream. Unfortunately, many people c annot achieve this dream due to low income. Income inequality refers to the uneven distributionRead MoreProperty Creates Human Greed By Rousseau s State Of Nature1239 Words   |  5 Pages(78). This inequality is illegitimate in divine abode of Rousseau’s state of nature, but property develops constructed legitimacy â€Å"since inequality is practically nonexistent in the state of nature, it derives its force and growth from the development of our faculties and the progress of the human mind, and eventually becomes stable and legitimate through the establishment of property and laws† (91). It is important to note here that Rousseau does not legitimize codifying natural inequality; he explainsRead MorePersepolis And The Kite Runner853 Words   |  4 Pagessheds some light also on ‘social reality’† (22). Ultimately, readers are able to gain insight to the social realities of the characters’ nation states in both novels. Persepolis allows re aders to learn about women and femininity in Iran’s culture while The Kite Runner provides readers with the social reality of men and masculinity in Afghanistan’s culture. Readers are told the story of Persepolis through the eyes and journey of Marjane (Marji). One example of the social reality of Iran that PersepolisRead More The Three Paradigms In Society Essay828 Words   |  4 Pagesmicro-sociological paradigm. Functionalist paradigm focuses on the integration of society, while social conflict focuses on the issue of division among society. Symbolic interaction works on communication and social change as a consequence. The three paradigms are completely different from each other in a social point of view. The macro-sociological paradigms view America as an inequality state. The social conflict paradigm fits today’s society. The functionalist paradigm focuses on the integrationRead MoreThe Three Paradigms in Society840 Words   |  4 Pagesmicro-sociological paradigm. Functionalist paradigm focuses on the integration of society, while social conflict focuses on the issue of division among society. Symbolic interaction works on communication and social change as a consequence. The three paradigms are completely different from each other in a social point of view. The macro-sociological paradigms view America as an inequality state. The social conflict paradigm fits todays society. The functionalist paradigm focuses on the integrationRead MoreAnalysis Of Persepolis And The Kite Runner 1023 Words   |  5 Pagessheds some light also on ‘social reality’† (22). Ultimately, readers are able to gain insight to the social realities of the characters’ nation states in both novels. Persepolis allows readers to learn about women and femininity in Iran’s culture while The Kite Runner provides readers with the social reality of men and masculinity in Afghanistan’s culture. Readers are told the story of Persepolis through the eyes and journey of Marjane (Marji). One example of the social reality of Iran that Persepolis