Wealth Inequality in the US with Sociological Viewpoints...

What is wealth inequality? â€Å"It is the difference between individuals or populations in the distribution of assets, wealth or income.† [1] In sociology, the term is social stratification and refers to â€Å"a system of structured social inequality† [2] where the inequality might be in power, resources, social standing/class or perceived worth. In the US, where a class system exist, (as opposed to caste or estate system) your place in the class system can be determined by your personal achievements. However, the economic and social class that an individual is born into is a big indicator of the class they will end up in as an adult. [3] What are the effects of this wealth inequality in the US and what causes it as well as some possible solutions†¦show more content†¦Conflict theorist have an opposing view, that the inequality seen in society is a result of domination and coercion where those with power, wealth and prestige exploit those without to maintain t heir standings. They believe that that every person and class are fighting over a limited number of resources and each is competing for an advantage. Wealth inequality is unfair because the elites, those in control of â€Å"societal resources† use those resources to perpetuate their own standing by shaping the belief system of society, controlling the distribution of resources, and blocking the mobility and opportunities of the poor. Because the wealth inequality is inherently unfair, conflict theorist argue that the disadvantaged in society should be given support by redirecting the â€Å"societal resources† to those in need. [9] The sociological views of functionalist and conflict theorist on stratification and economic inequality have had profound impact on the current economic discussion. In the past, economist have argued that wealth inequality is essential for â€Å"economic strength and social stability. [5] That wealth inequality â€Å"is needed to reward hard work, talent and innovation†. [6] However, in recent years, many economist have come to the conclusion that extreme wealth inequality, can lead to economic stagnation and social instability. What degree ofShow MoreRelatedSocial Problems : Community, Policy, And Social Actions852 Words   |  4 Pagesis established compared to other viewpoints of problems. In the text book, Social Problems: Community, Policy, and Social actions, there is an exert by wright Mills on the sociological imagination. Basically a personnel problem is â€Å"character of the individual and within the range of his immediate relationships with others† and a public issues is â€Å"character of the individual and within the range of his immediate relationships with others† (p.5). The sociological imagination is a way that we can seeRead MoreSociological Knowledge in Nursing Essays1301 Words   |  6 Pagespossible health and functioning (Kozier, et al., 2010 pp. 8-9). Sociological knowledge plays a dynamic and elementary role within nursing profession. 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