Theories and explanations for inequality and stratification related to social class, gender, ethnicity, age and nation

Theories and Explanations for Social Inequality and Stratification

General Overview

  • Social inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources, wealth, or opportunities in a society, while social stratification is characterised by systematic social structures that positions individuals and groups at varying levels in a hierarchy.
  • Inequalities can be based on social class, gender, ethnicity, age or nation.
  • Various theoretical frameworks have been proposed to explain these inequalities and their impact on individual and collective experiences in society.

Class Inequality Theories

  • Marxism: Argues that social class inequalities stem from capitalism, marked by a clear division of society into the bourgeoisie (ruling class) and the proletariat (working class).
  • Weberian Theory: Adds status and power dimensions to the class discussion. Social groups might share similar economic status but dramatically differ in their social prestige and power.
  • Functionalism: Views stratification as an essential feature of any society. Theorists like Davis and Moore argue that rewards, such as high income and social prestige, serve as motivators for people to undertake important roles.

Gender Inequality Theories

  • Liberal Feminism: Argues for legal and political reforms to ensure equal opportunities for women. Gender inequalities primarily result from unjust laws and institutional rules.
  • Radical Feminism: Attributes gender inequality to the overarching system of patriarchy, which prioritises male domination and female subordination in all spheres of society.
  • Black Feminism: Highlights the intersectionality of gender, race and class. Especially, it details how black women’s experiences of inequality are different from that of white women.

Ethnic Inequality Theories

  • Critical Race Theory: Focuses on how racism is ingrained in the fabric of society and how it manifests in social, political, and economic structures.
  • Cultural Racism Theory: Attributes ethnic inequality to prejudiced perceptions and stereotypes about different racial and ethnic groups.
  • Institutional Racism Theory: Concentrates on the systematic elements of racism embedded within laws, rules and practices of societal institutions.

Age Inequality Theories

  • Disengagement Theory: Proposes that ageing individuals naturally withdraw from societal roles and activities, which often leads to marginalisation.
  • Conflict Theory: Suggests ageism and discrimination create inequality and conflict between different age groups.
  • Structural Lag Theory: Argues societal structures do not keep pace with longer life expectancies, thus creating age-based inequalities.

National Inequality Theories

  • World Systems Theory: Divides the world into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral countries, suggesting developed nations often exploit underdeveloped ones for resources, labour, and markets.
  • Dependency Theory: Asserts developing countries are reliant on developed countries, creating a global hierarchy and continued inequality.
  • Modernisation Theory: Contends that societies progress from ‘traditional’ stages to ‘modern’ ones, largely influenced by industrialised societies. This theory often ignores cultural nuances, contributing to global stratification.

Conclusion and Reflection

  • No single theoretical framework can fully explain the complexities of social inequality and stratification.
  • It is essential to use an intersectional approach considering class, gender, ethnicity, age and national structures together for a more comprehensive understanding.