America is one of the wealthiest nations globally. Likewise, it is also one of the country’s where social inequality is most prevalent. Kraus, Park, and Tan (2017) argue that s ocial inequality refers to the presence of unequal opportunities and resources for different individuals from various social positions and statuses within the society. Conversely, social identity is generally how an individual identifies himself/herself in relation to others, based on what they have in common. Undeniably. Social inequality impedes peace and the promotion of diversity. Studies suggest that there is a link between social identity and social inequality. Nonetheless, modern studies provide controversial views on whether social identity promotes social inequality or if it is useful in overcoming social disparities. The available evidence shows that social identity promotes social disparities.
Social identity is one of the main contributors to social inequality in America. Recently, reports submitted by the US Bureau of statistics show that middle-class white families earn one hundred and seventy-one thousand dollars in net wealth, which is ten times more than the twenty thousand, seven hundred dollars made by Hispanic families, as well as the seventeen thousand, six hundred dollars attained by African/American families ( Kraus, Park, & Tan, 2017). Social inequality is promoted through categorization, labeling, and various classifications which are used to define people, groups and collectives. Through social identity, specific categories, such as gender, race, and ethnic groups are formed. Likewise, various gender, and race stereotypes, among others develop as a result of social identity.
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In the US, stereotypes formed against individuals due to their social identities have bridged not only a gap between different individuals but also promoted social inequalities. African/Americans for instance, are perceived to be highly aggressive individuals who are involved in various illegal practices such as drug abuse, murder, and rape among others. Nonetheless, while this may be true of a few numbers of them, the traits are generalized to all individuals that belong to this social group. Due to social identity, stereotypes develop, and individuals suffer different forms of inequality as a result.
The incarceration of African/American individuals, for instance, is one of the main effects of the stereotypes fostered by social identity. At least nine-point-one percent of young blacks aged twenty to thirty-four are confined in prisons merely because they are considered threats to public safety, even when this is not the case. Cases of young men who were given long prison sentences just because they were spotted in white-dominated areas and suspected of perpetrating crime are widespread. Nonetheless, there are no reports of whites who have been put under solitary confinement when located in neighborhoods dominated by Blacks. Generally, this constitutes social inequality. All individuals, whether black or white, have the right to be treated the same as opposed to with suspicion, even when there are no grounds to do so.
Social identity its related stereotypes further inhibit non-native Americans from securing jobs in great corporations and attaining prominent positions, just because of their social identities. Most modern American corporations are managed mostly by white men. Some have white female CEOs, but it is rare to find a corporation led by an African/American woman due to their social identity. Despite the immense efforts to promote equality, American society is still a patriarchal one. Notably, there are fewer women in contemporary firms who occupy dominant positions. According to Seo, Huang, and Han (2017), m ost firms offer women salaries that are less than those given to men. Female employees are denied the job opportunities that men access. The introduction of the quota system has even been recommended to promote gender equality in American workplaces.
Similarly, former white and non-native prisoners lead entirely different lives due to their social identities. For instance, the chances are that a former white prisoner can secure a sustainable job despite his/her tarnished reputation as opposed to a former African/American inmate. Another excellent example which demonstrates the extents through which social identity results in social inequality through stereotypes is through Asians. For decades, Americans have considered Asians the Yellow peril. Generally, people of Asian descent are depicted as intellectuals who have extraordinary skills, especially in the tech field. Notably, most of the worlds most dominant corporations come from Asia. Asian nations have experienced rapid economic growth over the years and almost at the brink of dominating the world.
Asian/Americans are considered an economic threat in America. The increase of the Asian population in the nation threatens the job opportunities that are available to native citizens since these individuals are without any doubt, prodigies in what they do. Due to these stereotypes, it is entirely hard to find Asians who hold senior positions in US corporations due to the fear that they may outrun the whites. Social inequality is evident when individuals who have exceedingly qualified for a job are denied the opportunity due to their social identities. Notably, the high levels of poverty among these individuals, despite their value in the labor market, is evidence of social inequality ( Carter & Reardon, 2014) . Undeniably, no single white who is highly skilled in any field of specialty is unemployed. Conclusively, it is justifiable to claim that social identity promotes social inequality as opposed to helping the American government to combat it.
Social identity has always been considered critical in promoting a sense of belonging among different individuals from various social groups and statuses. Nonetheless, despite its significance in decreasing feelings of isolation, it fosters social inequality through different stereotypes which are associated with various groups of people. It is crucial for Americans to Unite to close the gap between its diverse citizens. Concurrently, social equality and harmonious living would be promoted.
References
Carter, P. L., & Reardon, S. F. (2014). Inequality matters. William T. Grant Foundation Paper, New York: William T. Grant Foundation .
Kraus, M. W., Park, J. W., & Tan, J. J. (2017). Signs of social class: The experience of economic inequality in everyday life. Perspectives on Psychological Science , 12 (3), 422-435.
Seo, G., Huang, W., & Han, S. H. C. (2017). A conceptual review of underrepresentation of women in senior leadership positions from a perspective of gendered social status in the workplace: Implication for HRD research and practice. Human Resource Development Review , 16 (1), 35-59.
