Discussion Question: I Only Need 2 To 3 Sentences Per Questi

Discussion Question I Only Need 2 To 3 Sentences Per Question No Apa O

Using the sociological perspective of your choice, how might you explain the widening income inequality gap in the United States and around the world? What is inequality and why is it an important concept to study?

Class, what is your reaction to this video? How is racial profiling an example of prejudice and discrimination? What can be done to change the criminal justice system to more fairly handle people without regard to their race or ethnicity?

As you learn about social inequality in this class this week, what are you learning about the consequences of wealth and income inequalities? What is the difference between wealth and income? Where do we see more inequality in society?

What are some inequalities that might result from simply being born into a neighborhood with few resources and housing that is undervalued? What might the long-term consequences be of being born into a situation where your family does not have good access to health care? How might this impact one’s ability to succeed?

Class, even though we live in an open economic system, do you think that everyone has an equal chance to get ahead? Do people typically see much improvement in their economic situation over time?

Do you think that it is fair that certain degrees from certain institutions are valued more than earning that degree somewhere else? What are some of the challenges with the current education system? Why is education so expensive and who does it hurt the most to pay the cost of college today?

Do you think that someone who was working class or someone who was lower middle class could run for president? How would they finance their campaign? Do you think that they would have support?

Paper For Above instruction

The widening income inequality in the United States and globally can be explained through the sociological perspective of stratification, which emphasizes how societal structures and economic systems perpetuate disparities. In this view, economic inequality is rooted in the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, reinforced by policies and cultural norms that favor the wealthy. Studying inequality is crucial because it highlights social disparities, informs policies for social justice, and helps understand the barriers marginalized groups face in achieving upward mobility.

Regarding racial profiling, it exemplifies prejudice because it involves preconceived notions about individuals based on race, leading to discriminatory actions by law enforcement. These practices reinforce racial stereotypes and systemic inequalities, as minorities are disproportionately targeted and punished, even without evidence of wrongdoing. To foster fairer treatment, criminal justice reform should include bias training, community policing, and transparent accountability measures to ensure all individuals are treated equitably regardless of race or ethnicity.

As I explore social inequalities, I learn that wealth and income disparities lead to unequal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and housing, which in turn affect social mobility. Wealth refers to the total value of assets owned, including property and savings, while income is the flow of money earned through work or investments within a period. Inequality is more prominent in areas like healthcare and education, where access is often determined by socioeconomic status, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Being born into a resource-scarce neighborhood or undervalued housing often results in limited educational and employment opportunities, which can have long-term consequences such as poor health outcomes and lower income potential. Limited access to healthcare during childhood can lead to chronic illnesses, reducing the likelihood of academic success and stable employment, thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty and social marginalization.

Although the economic system is open, implying potential for mobility, social and structural barriers often hinder equal opportunities for all to get ahead. Data shows that many people experience limited upward mobility, with socioeconomic status often remaining stable across generations. Structural disadvantages, such as unequal education and discrimination, contribute to this persistent inequality.

The valuation of degrees from certain prestigious institutions over others raises questions of fairness, but it also reflects gatekeeping that perpetuates social stratification. The high costs of education make college inaccessible for many, especially those from low-income backgrounds, who often bear the brunt through student debt and limited opportunities, further widening social disparities.

Individuals from working-class or lower-middle-class backgrounds could potentially run for president, but financial barriers are significant. Campaigns require substantial funding for advertising and outreach, which often favors wealthy candidates or those with access to elite networks. Support might be limited due to perceived social disparities, but grassroots and social media campaigns could help bridge gaps in support for diverse candidates.

References

• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Massey, D. S., & Denton, N. A. (1993). American apartheid: Segregation and the making of the underclass. Harvard University Press.
• Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the twenty-first century. Harvard University Press.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
• Wilson, W. J. (2012). The truly disadvantaged: The inner city, the underclass, and public policy. University of Chicago Press.
• Pager, D., & Shepherd, H. (2008). The Sociology of Discrimination: Racial Discrimination in Housing, Employment, and Credit Markets. Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 181-209.
• Geronimus, A. T. (1992). The weathering hypothesis and the health of African-American women and infants: Evidence and implications. Ethnicity & Disease, 2(3), 207-221.
• Kearney, M. S., & Harris, A. (2018). Unequal Access: Inequality in American Education. Educational Researcher, 47(8), 522-529.
• Pew Research Center. (2020). The State of the American Dream: Perspectives on economic mobility. Pew Research Center Reports.