Understanding Social Inequality: Key Concepts & Factors

Posted on Mar 30, 2025 in Sociology

Understanding Social Inequality

Symbolic Interaction and Inequality

Ideology often justifies inequality, leading us to accept it.

Consequences of Inequality

• Economic Differences
• Life Chances: Opportunity to succeed
• Health: Wealthier individuals tend to be healthier
• Education: Wealthier individuals often have access to better education
• Work Life: Disparities exist between the working conditions of the poor (e.g., factories) and the rich (e.g., offices)
• Lifestyle

The American Dream and Social Mobility

“The American Dream” is often associated with social mobility (upward or downward).

Inter-Generational Mobility

Social class change across generations.

Intra-Generational Mobility

Social class change within a single generation.

Observations on Social Mobility

1. Men are often more socially mobile.
2. Few experience a true “rags to riches” story.
3. Middle-class stagnation is occurring due to economic shifts, job insecurity, corporate downsizing, rising education costs, and tax changes.

Education and Salary

Education level significantly impacts salary:

• No diploma: $28,700
• GED/Diploma: $32,900
• Some college: $46,000
• AS/AA: $68,200
• BS/BA: $87,000

Poverty

Syracuse poverty rate: 55%

Types of Poverty

• Relative Poverty: Universal
• Absolute Poverty: Lack of basic necessities for survival

Functionalism and Poverty

GANS: Cultural explanation, Oscar Lewis’ “Culture of Poverty,” subculture with unique values.

Structural Explanation of Poverty

Societies’ political, economic, and social policies contribute to poverty.

Race and Ethnicity

Race: Subspecies – genetically distinctive geographic subunits of species

Northern populations often have lighter skin due to lower sun radiation.

Folate: Important for preventing sperm and neural tube defects (spina bifida).

Ethnicity: Sharing a common heritage (e.g., White, Asian, African American, Hispanic).

Assimilation and Genocide

Assimilation: Minority groups relinquish their culture.

Genocide: Systematic killing of a group.

Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Stereotype: Grouping based on preconceived notions, ignoring individual differences.

Prejudice: A negative attitude or feeling of dislike.

Discrimination: Unequal or unfair treatment.

Merton’s Typology of Prejudice and Discrimination

1. Timid Bigot: Prejudiced non-discriminator
2. Reluctant Liberal: Unprejudiced discriminator (e.g., for economic reasons)
3. All-Weather Liberal: Unprejudiced non-discriminator
4. All-Weather Bigot: Prejudiced discriminator

Gender Stratification

• Sex: Biology
• Gender: Behavior
• Gender Roles: Expectations of behavior
• Common Truths: Gender Stereotypes

Margaret Mead’s Research

Anthropologist who studied gender roles in New Guinea, examining both men and women.

Social Structures and Gender Roles

• Foraging: Egalitarian
• Horticultural/Pastoral: Slight stratification
• Agrarian: Men outside, women inside

Gender in the Workplace

Income gap exists due to human capital factors and personal resources brought to the workplace.

Dual Labor Market Structure is present.

Job Distribution

• Men’s Jobs: Professional (Administration + technical)
• Women’s Jobs: Service (teacher/nurse)

Barriers and Opportunities

• Glass Ceiling: Limits advancement for women in non-traditional careers
• Glass Escalator: Provides advancement for men in non-traditional careers

Income Gap Factors

Glass ceiling/escalator, occupational segregation, “good old boy network.” Women often work in pink-collar jobs.

Functionalism on Gender Roles

Basic social unit (family):

• Men: Instrumental tasks
• Women: Emotional support

Conflict Theory on Gender Roles

Struggle between men and women, benefiting men, preserving patriarchy, and treating women as property.

Symbolic Interaction and Gender

Language: Sir/Master/Wizard is positive, while Madame/Mistress/Witch are negative.

Brown vs. Board of Education (1954)

Court declared white-only/black-only schools unconstitutional.

Social Class Comparison