Since the earliest times of human documentation, social stratification has been in existence. In 350 BCE, Aristotle wrote about the rankings of free people and slaves in his book “Politics.” During the Age of Enlightenment, philosophers such as Locke and Montesquieu wrote about the feudal system of social stratification. In the 1800s, sociologists Marx, Durkheim, and Weber began to analyze social stratification more in-depth, developing theories that continue to have an influence today. Because of its prevalence, social stratification remains a focal point for sociologists when studying social problems, such as poverty.
1. Problems of Wealth Inequality in the United States The root word “strata” refers to ranking groups or people within …show more content…
One of the prominent theories is structural-functionalism, in which bits of society are deemed necessary in order to maintain stability (Woodell 2014). When this definition is applied to poverty it means that each social class is necessary for society to function. It is functional to have economic differences where certain individuals fill low-tier and high-tier jobs but the consequences must be avoided. Furthermore, this is a macro-level overview that focuses on social structures that shape the larger population. James Tobin, an economist, offers an economic perspective on poverty claiming increases in wages and decreases in unemployment have through structural alterations decreased the rate in poverty, otherwise proving the importance of the economy to the overall condition of the nation. This proves that various structural aspects are interconnected and help contribute to the conditions that exist in society and are needed to maintain …show more content…
A macro-level theory, Charon and Vigilant affirm that social conditions “cause harm to people, especially societal conditions that create poverty and inequality of class and power” (2012:7). From the conflict perspective, society is a constant conflict of interests and class refers to people who have a common relationship with the means of production. Some individuals are able to meet their needs while others are systematically excluded and harmed. Marx was opposed to a capitalist system because it paralleled his contempt for the proletariat (working class) who profited off the bourgeoisie (owners of production). In relation to the United States, the “American Dream” and work ethic claims that if you work hard enough you can achieve but in reality a small group of people are accumulating the vast majority of the wealth while the rest of society is not. Meanwhile, if you become impoverished, it is because of your lack of effort. Of the highest concern of conflict theorists is how laws and policies contribute to the accumulation of wealth by the upper classes and the widening of the income gap. It is believed that the system in place is only to benefit the few. This helps elites control the masses, hoard the resources, and maintain order. Through these selfish interests further social problems are
1. Problems of Wealth Inequality in the United States The root word “strata” refers to ranking groups or people within …show more content…
One of the prominent theories is structural-functionalism, in which bits of society are deemed necessary in order to maintain stability (Woodell 2014). When this definition is applied to poverty it means that each social class is necessary for society to function. It is functional to have economic differences where certain individuals fill low-tier and high-tier jobs but the consequences must be avoided. Furthermore, this is a macro-level overview that focuses on social structures that shape the larger population. James Tobin, an economist, offers an economic perspective on poverty claiming increases in wages and decreases in unemployment have through structural alterations decreased the rate in poverty, otherwise proving the importance of the economy to the overall condition of the nation. This proves that various structural aspects are interconnected and help contribute to the conditions that exist in society and are needed to maintain …show more content…
A macro-level theory, Charon and Vigilant affirm that social conditions “cause harm to people, especially societal conditions that create poverty and inequality of class and power” (2012:7). From the conflict perspective, society is a constant conflict of interests and class refers to people who have a common relationship with the means of production. Some individuals are able to meet their needs while others are systematically excluded and harmed. Marx was opposed to a capitalist system because it paralleled his contempt for the proletariat (working class) who profited off the bourgeoisie (owners of production). In relation to the United States, the “American Dream” and work ethic claims that if you work hard enough you can achieve but in reality a small group of people are accumulating the vast majority of the wealth while the rest of society is not. Meanwhile, if you become impoverished, it is because of your lack of effort. Of the highest concern of conflict theorists is how laws and policies contribute to the accumulation of wealth by the upper classes and the widening of the income gap. It is believed that the system in place is only to benefit the few. This helps elites control the masses, hoard the resources, and maintain order. Through these selfish interests further social problems are