1. Summary
Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of people in society. This article focuses on 'economic stratification'. Economic stratification means how people are differentiated according to their wealth or power. This differentiation is linked to inequality. In sociology, inequality means that people have a differentiated approach to rare and valuable resources. Modern sociologists define stratification based on power, property, and reputation from Max Weber's ideas. Today, the top 1% of the US earns a quarter of the national income and controls 40% of the total wealth of the United States. The origin of inequality began in the ‘horticultural/pastoralist societies’ where private property was recognized in ‘hunter/gather societies’ where private property did not exist. Sociologist Joel Charon argues that inequality persists in society: first, the rich defend the system of inequality; second, our culture teaches acceptance of inequality; third, people accept their unequal position . Education also enhances acceptance of inequalities.
Dominant theories about layering include structural functionalism and conflict theory. From a functionalist point of view, stratification occurs inevitably and contributes to the stabilization of society. They differ in the importance of the functions of each occupation, and I think that the differences are layered. However, this idea is criticized for "Is there a difference in the importance of the job?" Conflict theorists argue that stratification is harmful to society, and capitalism, in particular, offers many benefits to the rich. Inequality in the world is serious now. Inequality is a serious problem in many parts of life quality, such as life expectancy, medical services, insurance, etc., in many parts of the world. Scholars who analyze this criticize the phenomenon of global inequality through development, modernization, dependency, and world system theory.
Dominant theories about layering include structural functionalism and conflict theory. From a functionalist point of view, stratification occurs inevitably and contributes to the stabilization of society. They differ in the importance of the functions of each occupation, and I think that the differences are layered. However, this idea is criticized for "Is there a difference in the importance of the job?" Conflict theorists argue that stratification is harmful to society, and capitalism, in particular, offers many benefits to the rich. Inequality in the world is serious now. Inequality is a serious problem in many parts of life quality, such as life expectancy, medical services, insurance, etc., in many parts of the world. Scholars who analyze this criticize the phenomenon of global inequality through development, modernization, dependency, and world system theory.
2. Interesting Point
I remembered the theory behind education and inequality behind the Bourdieu. According to Bourdieu, education reproduces inequality, and schools that create education create fantasies of independence and neutrality, but in reality the school has defined it as a space that follows the principle of 'reproduction' of existing order. The power class seemingly handed down the inheritance of power to the neutral authority of education, but in practice education continued to serve the ruling class. Schools reproduce and preserve hierarchies in this way. I think this article would be better if it included the theory behind the bourgeoisie.
3. Discussion point
When I read this article several times, I wondered if it was possible to resolve the inequality. We do not agree with the claim that inequality inevitably arises and functions in society as in structural functionalists, but it does not agree with the socialist idea that Marx, like everyone else, is earning as equitably as everyone else has worked. But I basically think that inequality has been created by humans like the arguments of the conflict theorists. It is the inequality that we have created so that we can solve it. So what can you do to get rid of inequality? I think that it is difficult to integrate all people together or to respect the opinions of all people, because the modern society has been divided many times.
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