Social InequalityChapter 1

Dr. Roderick Graham

Fordham University

Inequality

What is inequality? (or…what is equality)? How do we know it when we see it (what are

the types of ways that people can be unequal) Economic Racial Ethnic Politically Gender Sexual Orientation Religion

We can call these ways that people can be unequal as dimensions of inequality.

What is inequality? (or…what is equality)? What entities or categories do we use to

compare dimensions in inequality? Individuals Occupational Groups Geographic Regions Nations

Inequality Can be Very Complex…

Economic Racial Ethnic Politically Gender Sexual Orientation Religion

Individuals Occupational

Groups Geographic

Regions Nations

X 28 differentways

(at least that we can measure inequality)

=

Is Inequality Inevitable?Yes! There are no structural constraints stopping people.

Inequality is always present because people are more or less talented/or exert more or less effort.

No! Inequality is not inevitable. It is caused by our

current political structure, discrimination, or by powerful social groups determining the reward structure in society

“Whether or not it is inevitable, it is here…so we study it as sociologists to understand its consequences”

Do We Want Inequality?Yes! The most important positions in societies are

the most rewarded, and the most talented people will get those positions (we want really sharp doctors).

No! It creates conflict between social groups.

Social groups do not always believe the system is fair.

Inequality and Economic Social Groups(Classes) What do sociologists mean by “classes”? Are

you a member of class? What do we mean by “subjective” and

“objective” class?

Do We Have Classes in the US?No! No such thing as a “social” class structure where

groups organize against one another based upon economic distinctions

Yes..Kinda A second group argue that there are social classes at

the economic extremes (the extremely wealthy and the underclass)

Absolutely! A third group argue that classes existed in the past

and continue to exist presently

The Relationship between Capitalism, Democracy, and Inequality

Inequality

What Effect Does Globalization have on Inequality?Decreases Inequality Exchange of goods and ideas lowers

inequality between nations (the lexus and the olive tree?)

Increases Inequality Open markets make it easier for corporations

in rich nations (and rich nations themselves) to exploit weaker countries

The Problem of Measurement… Definitions such as class or poverty can be defined in many ways

leading to problems in comparison and hypothesis testing

How do we measure class? How do we measure poverty? What is the most important measurement for inequality (income,

wealth, health) What is the most important dimension (class, race, gender,

religion) What is the best category (individuals, families, social groups)

“If we struggle with these basic measurements, all the questions raised previously will always be up for debate. Generally, we agree that there is great inequality in the US, and that it is rising…but we argue over specifics.”

The Goals of This Class… In the first third of the class we will use theory to

focus our analysis of inequality on the most sociologically relevant entities/categories (the why of the class)

In the final two-thirds we will look at the consequences of inequality

By the end of the semester, you will be able to come to your own conclusions about the effects of inequality, and be able to answer some of the questions/controversies raised in this presentation.