Social inequality: An Overview

Shujun Liu^*
*Correspondence: Shujun Liu, Department of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University; Haidian District, Beijing, China, Email:

Editorial

When a society's resources are distributed unequally, usually through allocation rules, certain patterns emerge along the lines of socially defined groups of individuals. Power, religion, kinship, status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and class are all factors that influence who get access to social goods in society. When a society's resources are distributed unequally, usually through allocation rules, certain patterns emerge along the lines of socially defined groups of individuals. Power, religion, kinship, status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and class are all factors that influence who get access to social goods in society. Social inequality is defined as unequal access to the benefits of belonging to any society. Every citizen in a completely equal society has the same potential to contribute to the community's general well-being, and they have the same ability to benefit from their participation [1].

Economic inequality, which is commonly described as an unequal distribution of income or wealth, is a type of social discrepancy that is frequently studied. Despite the fact that economics and sociology use different theoretical approaches to evaluate and explain economic inequality, both fields are interested in the research. In most societies, however, social and natural resources, in addition to economic resources, are unequally allocated and can influence social position. Allocation rules can influence the distribution of rights and privileges, social power, access to public goods such as education and the judicial system, adequate housing, transportation, credit and financial services such as banking, and other social goods and services [2].

Social disparity exists in almost every civilization. Social inequality is shaped by a number of structural factors, including geographic location and citizenship status, and is frequently fueled by cultural discourses and identities that define, for example, whether the poor are "deserving" or "undeserving." Basic civilizations with limited social roles and statuses may have relatively low levels of social inequality. A tribe leader or chieftain may have particular rights, use special equipment, or wear authority symbols that others do not, but the chieftain's daily life is fundamentally the same as that of any other tribal member. Anthropologists refer to such exceptionally egalitarian societies as "kinship-oriented," suggesting that social harmony is valued more than wealth or social status. These civilizations contrast with materially oriented societies, in which rank and wealth are prized and competition and conflict are common [3].

The five systems or types of social inequality are wealth inequality, treatment and responsibility discrepancy, political inequality, life inequality, and membership inequality. The term "political inequality" refers to a gap in access to government resources that does not lead to civic equality. Due to differences in treatment and responsibilities, some people benefit more and may earn larger privileges more quickly than others. Despite the fact that all employees are equally qualified, some are given more responsibilities and thus obtain better pay and benefits. Membership inequality refers to the number of people in a family, a country, or a church. Life inequality is caused by a disparity of opportunities that, if present, would improve a person's life quality [4-5].

References

1.  Wade, Robert H. "The Piketty phenomenon and the future of inequality.” Real World Economics Review (2014): 2–17.

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2. Young, Michael. "Down with meritocracy". The Guardian (2021).
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4. Rugaber, Christopher S., and Boak, Josh. "Wealth gap: A guide to what it is, why it matters.” AP News (2014).

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5. Deji, Olanike F. “Gender and Rural Development. London.” LIT Verlag Münster (2011): 93.

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