Statistics data for inequality give us an important benchmark for measuring or understanding the nature of our economy and the health our societies. This paper looks at social inequality in terms of gender, race, class, and ethnicity. Social inequality in simple terms is the existence of non-equal opportunities, benefits, challenges, positions, and statuses within the society. Social inequality can exist because of personal choices or can arise depending on available opportunities or the nature of the political, economic, and social conditions of a society. In most cases, social inequality arises as a result of uneven distribution of resources especially when the mode of allocation endangers certain groups of the society.
Problem statement
Social inequality is a condition that causes certain members of a community to be discriminated against. Social inequality differs among different ethnicities, races, and ethnic groups. Because of this it becomes possible for certain groups of people within a society to exhibit certain vices as a result of this unequal distribution within the economy. This paper examines the question that there is a causal relationship between income and wealth inequality and social inequality.
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Hypothesis
In order to answer the problem statement, the following null and alternative hypotheses will be analyzed. The null hypothesis is that there is no significant relationship between income and wealth disparity and social disparity. The alternative hypothesis is that there is a causal relationship between wealth and income inequality and social inequality.
Research design
Surprisingly, the rates of mobility and opportunity are thriving in the United States. In addition, children from both the lower and upper income and wealth quartiles have equal chances of ending up in any of the five wealth classes. Unfortunately, this depends to a high degree on the status of their parents remaining married. Otherwise most children whose parents divorce or separate are not as lucky children whose parents stay married. More so, there is a big chance for people from lower income and wealth quartiles to suffer from social inequality. In order to understand the trends of social inequality in the United States the conflict theory will be the basis of analysis. Conflict theory was introduced by Karl Marx and postulates that human societies are always in a perpetual conflict because of increased competition of limited resources. Thus, social order can only be achieved through power and domination rather than conformity and consensus.
As observed above social inequality is a condition where certain groups within the society to suffer from unequal opportunities especially when it comes to education, health, and access to other public services. Unfortunately, it is becoming the norm for Americans from “lower economic classes” to undergo social collapse that is threatening to destroy American principles.
Based on data from parenting, civic engagement, marriage, and employment, it is clear that there is a widening and increasing gap between the upper and lower classes. Unfortunately, it is also clear that the reasons are more consequential because strong families are the cornerstone of free societies unlike high incomes and increased wealth.
Although poverty has remained at the same levels for the past fifty years, today’s inequality is more pronounced in terms of the inequality between certain ethnic groups, races, gender, and ethnicity. This is particularly true when it comes to major social indicators such as marriage, participation in labor force, and child rearing.
Social decay has been seen as one of the reasons why generational growth has been affected. In addition, individuals from certain ethnic groups and races such as black Americans face limited opportunities and as a result face many challenges especially when it is their health, education, civic engagement, and access to other public services.
Social inequality is directly linked to income and wealth inequalities. People from poorer backgrounds tend to suffer from social inequality in most walks of life. Regardless of the gender and race, it is apparent that people with low incomes have fewer opportunities when compared to people from wealthy backgrounds.
Some of the people who tend to suffer from social inequality include single parents who either have divorced or are separated from their partners. Unmarried men and women also tend to suffer from social inequalities when compared to married couples. Children from poor backgrounds also tend to suffer more in their old age unlike children from wealthy families.
When it comes to access to education and participation in the labor force, it is clear that children and adults from poor backgrounds experience unequal access to education and by far their participation in public or private. Because of their inability to access the best schools, people from low income groups end up losing out on employment opportunities regardless of their gender.
By nature of their status, black Americans, Latinos, and Hispanics have unequal opportunities when it comes to civic engagement, education, and access to quality healthcare facilities when compared to their white counterparts.
References
Blofield, M. (2011). The great gap: Inequality and the politics of redistribution in Latin America . University Park, Pa: Pennsylvania State University Press.
In Carlson, M. J., & In England, P. (2011). Social class and changing families in an unequal America . Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
Neckerman, K. M. (2004). Social inequality . New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
