Abstract Every facet of human investigation, from spirituality to mathematics, suggests the inevitability of inequality. Stasis, in the natural order, does not last eternally; every natural system is always in danger of descending into chaos without intervention. This paper argues that should equality ever be achieved, it, too, would be in danger of disintegrating into inequality. The paper shows that, while a number of social reformers, including Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx, espoused a society without inequality, in fact, it seems that each believed inequality was inevitable. The paper also uses an analogy from the series "Star Trek" to discuss a utopian society.
From the Paper "It is easy to conclude, then, that Marx"and to a lesser extent, Durkheim and Weber"were erroneous in their thinking that inequality could be eradicated. Indeed, from the unworkable premises they set forth"with their inherent quandaries about who is in charge of determining equality, and does that make the decider unequal"?it is apparent that in human society, no less than in the porcine society of George Orwell's Animal Farm, inequality is inevitable."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses Jonathan Kozol's book, 'Savage Inequalities'. According to the paper, this book documents the devastating inequalities in American schools, focusing on public education's "savage inequalities" between affluent districts and poor districts. The paper reports that Kozol's main argument is that public education should be free and equal to people of all economic classes. The paper concludes with the personal perspective of the writer.
From the Paper "Shock and anger turned to sadness. While reading the accounts told by the children, I often had tears in my eyes. These children know that they are not receiving an equal education, and many end up feeling like they do not deserve one. These children have dreams and aspirations that most will never achieve due to the lack of opportunities made available to them. The part of the book that shocked me the most was when Kozol reported on the schools in Camden, New Jersey. Camden is so close to my home and my schools, that it is almost unbelievable that the conditions could be so horrid. Of course you would come to expect these inequalities in New York or Chicago, but never this close to home. After finishing this book, the ways in which I view education has changed. I hope now that I can become more involved politically, to advocate for these types of schools. Conditions in these schools have to change, and the public needs to become more aware of the situation."
Abstract This paper critically examines the issue of growing economic inequality in China. It discusses the issue in terms of its historic development and how it has shaped China today. It also describes its implications for China's future social and economic evolution and discusses the reason that this problem has been masked in the popular view of China today as an economic superpower.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Ideology of Equality in Communist China
China's Economic Reforms and Increasing Inequality The Scale Inequality in Contemporary China
Inequality and Political and Migration Pressures
Conclusion
From the Paper "In conclusion, the increasing levels of inequality in China - not only in terms of rural vs. urban, but also inland vs. coastal - present a clear and present threat to the legitimacy of the Communist government given its ideological origins in socialist egalitarianism. While the economic development of China and its opening to world trade has brought great wealth and development to parts of the country, other parts have suffered even more so. The geographic localization of this problem in rural/inland areas, as well as the discontent of many migrant workers in the urban areas, represents a disturbing prospect for the future of not only stable economic development in China, but for the continued rule of the Communist party and political stability in China as a whole."
Abstract This paper discusses Rose Chernin and Ann Moody, both of whom were activists in issues such as gender, social class, race and ethical backgrounds. The author relates the life, experiences and discrimination that Chenin and Moody went through and talks about how these women both found constructive ways to channel their energies to provide social change for others that lived a day to day life of inequality and injustice. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but does not include a works cited page.
From the Paper "Rose Chernin and Ann Moody participated in radical political movements in response to the inequalities and injustices that persons of non-Anglo American descent faced in America. Issues of gender, social class, and racial/ethnic backgrounds played a crucial role in defining the specific types of activism that Chernin and Moody pursued. Specifically, Chernin and Moody's gender and experience with living in segregated societies influenced their sense of justice. For Moody, Negros worked for whites out of economic necessity and for Chernin, the proletariat worked for the wage out of necessity. Both white supremacy and capitalism oppressed their respective constituencies therefore Moody and Chernin worked to correct the injustices and inequalities of the system."
Tags: racism discrimination, social class, gender roles, communisminequality
Abstract Inequalities that present themselves in health are of great interest today, and there has been a lot of insight into possible pathways in which these inequalities may influence health in society. Although a lot of the literature on the topic of inequality has argued the negative effects and injustices that rise from it, this paper focuses on whether these inequalities, can in fact, ever be justified.
From the Paper "In order to best deduct a reasonable conclusion about inequality and its effect on health, one must understand the idea of equality and its various perceived relationships that society associates with it. The concept of equality insinuates a "...correspondence between different objects, persons, processes or circumstances that have the same qualities in at least one respect, but not all respects." Therefore a judgment on equality between two objects presumes a difference between the things being compared. Equality is not a measure of indenticality or sameness but as noted, recognition of the differences or inequality present, a comparative measure. The idea of equality, or at least its relevance to health and society, nominates various standpoints that influence the way inequality is upheld. Utilatarianism promotes that the "...interests of all should be treated equally without consideration of interest or an individual's material situation." This concept strictly views each person to be counted as one and equal and therefore there is no claim to higher grounds or importance regardless of contents of interests or an individuals material situation. Therefore in situations wherein interests are present, resources must be fairly aggregated. The fair aggregation of resources is argued by utilitarians as being the pathway that provides maximum utilitisation or benefit. Libertarianism on the other hand represents minimalist positions in relation to equality or distributive justice. The concept asserts an original right to freedom and property and hence argues "...against redistribution of resources and social rights and for the free market." Asserting an opposition to equality, Libertarians argue that the individual right to freedom can only be "...limited for the sake of foreign and domestic peace." This concept holds highly the idea of market freedom, opposing redistributive justice in turn for social justice or equality. A final popular view on equality is the Egalitarian stance which is said to be in favour of equality, more specifically, people should receive the same, be treated the same, or as equals. In health today egalitarian concepts tend to take the side of equality right across the axis, being that it is unfair or unjust (moral significance) for someone to be worse off than another through no fault of their own. Equality and the different views possessed throughout society present ways in which it can be understood and how it may operate and be justified in certain situations. These definitions provide a platform that enables an insight into whether inequality in health could in some cases, be justified under a certain rationale."
Abstract The paper offers a report on the book "Savage Inequalities" by Jonathan Kozol, in which Kozol addresses some of the failures he sees in the American educational system. The paper explains how Kozol specifically looks at how they reflect institutional discrimination and the failure to address the needs of minority children. The paper notes that these are the inequalities of the title, seen in the way schools in predominantly white neighborhoods are more likely to have sufficient funding, while schools in poor and minority neighborhoods do not.
From the Paper "In his book "Savage Inequalities," Jonathan Kozol addresses some of the failures he sees in the American educational system, especially as they reflect institutional discrimination and the failure to address the needs of minority children. These are the inequalities of the title, seen in the way schools in predominantly white neighborhoods are more likely to have sufficient funding, while schools in poor and minority neighborhoods do not. Kozol himself has been a teacher, though he has not been working in the classroom for some time. For this book, Kozol returns to a classroom in East St. Louis, considered an area with a depressed economy and with many economic problems in the public schools. East St. Louis is also a black community, one that has a number of problems because of the drainage system from an area called the Bluffs, which contributes nothing to correcting this problem."
Abstract This four page paper examines social inequality and poverty in Canada. The paper suggests that poverty and social inequality have always existed in human societies, for they are the inevitable consequences of materialism, prejudice, and economic injustice. The paper goes on to suggest that the persistence of poverty and social inequality in Canada demonstrates that even in advanced, industrialized, democratic societies, many people continue to be victimized by powerful economic, political, and social forces beyond their control.
From the Paper "Poverty and Social Inequality in Canada: An Analysis Tragically, poverty and social inequality have always existed in human societies, for they are the inevitable consequences of materialism, prejudice, and economic injustice. The persistence of poverty and social inequality in Canada demonstrates that even in advanced, industrialized, democratic societies, many people continue to be victimized by alliances between the government and powerful business interests. According to Canadian census data collected and analyzed by researchers such as Picot and Myles (2005) there is a widening gap between rich and poor in Canada, and a sharp increase in the number of working people who earn less than twenty-thousand dollars a year."
A review of Edna Bonacich's article "Inequality in America: The Failure of the American System for People of Color "and Jonathan Kozol's article "Still Separate, Still Unequal: America's Educational Apartheid".
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 39.95
Abstract This paper reviews the articles "Inequality in America: The Failure of the American System for People of Color", written by Edna Bonacich and"Still Separate, Still Unequal: America's Educational Apartheid" by Jonathan Kozol. The paper explores Bonacich's claims that racial inequality is rooted in economic inequality, and also explains Kozol's contests on the belief that the public school system in the United States is no longer segregated. The author analyzes how Kozol's indictment of the educational system illustrates the problem with which Bonacich is concerned with.
From the Paper "Describing the unequal distribution of wealth, benefits, and property in the United States, Bonacich is able to demonstrate the large difference between the bottom of the social and economic basement and the top. Furthermore, she maintains that those few found in the elitist position are able to reap the benefits of material wealth such as social status, political voice, and job availability. The middle class' role in this hierarchy can be depicted as the "semi-elite," given a better social and economic standing by the dominating high class as compensation for there services. Their sole purpose is to keep this system of inequality in balance by regulating the poor class. While the utter poor find themselves living in impoverish conditions, working undesirable jobs, and seen as social scum. She asks how are those located at the bottom of the system going to strive to better them selves if there is no hansom reward for their work and how much harder does person making a six figure salary work than one making only a four figure; proclaims that those found at the bottom are seemingly trapped in this basement."
Abstract The paper provides a review of literature that details successful practices for the improvement of the educational attainment of Hispanic students in the community college environment. The paper seeks to understand successful programs in the earlier grades, as successful preparation is often the key to success for any student seeking higher education. The paper also shows the testing and financial trends in colleges that present major barriers to the Hispanic population. The paper suggests that the answer may lay in specific cultural resource offerings from outside sources such as additional family and peer/mentor support that can make the difference in these students' academic success.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Conclusion
From the Paper "Social and cultural diversity is clearly one of the United States' most promising cultural circumstances, as such cultural diversity affords the nation opportunities for growth and development beyond the status quo and if embraced opportunity for a broader world view in the modern global environment. Valuing such cultural diversity is a talking point in any discussion regarding civic social responsibility and national development and yet such discussion has not currently led to major strides in development and growth of the individuals who comprise such diversity and this is particularly true of the Latino population."
Abstract This essay answers the question of whether or not economic progress can take place without resulting in inequality. The writer discusses that looking at today's world and the number of wealth inequities, one is tempted to think that it is not possible, but the essay concludes that it is technically possible. However, the writer notes that since colonialism, this has grown further and further to sustain.
From the Paper "Looking at the distribution of wealth across the world today, as well as the fact that the growth of western, 'developed' countries often seems to have occurred at the expense of less developed Asian and African countries, it would is tempting to conclude that inequality is a necessary condition for economic growth. This is based on the premise that growth in one area takes away from someone else - and certainly, this is often the case. The growth of the European economies in the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries was built upon colonial exploitation."
Abstract This paper examines the plights of the poor and of racial minorities in American culture in Jonathan Kozol's "Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools." This book deals with children and claims that children have not earned any of the wealth nor poverty they inherit, nor do they control their fates in such a way that they may be accountable for them. It discusses life in East St. Louis, an exclusively black and minority city and describes how children are affected by living in ghettos.
From the Paper "In 1991, Jonathan Kozol became the published author of Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools. Its a dark and brilliant expose' of inequalities in race and caste institutionalized into the core of American culture, its cities, states, and even federal system. Many authors have surely written about the so-called plights of the poor and of racial minorities. However, it is almost impossible in many accounts to separate the personal failings of the poor from the institutional failings of the nation. Kozol's book makes it extremely simple by dealing particularly with a type of the poor and of the racial minorities which can in no way be feasibly blamed for their plights, nor considered victims of their own wills rather than that of the ruling class. He deals with children. As the book itself says, all children are naturally equal, for they have not earned any of the wealth nor poverty they inherit, nor do they control their fates in such a way that they may be accountable for them. By exploring the lives of children, then, we can see the truest, most terrible institutional inequalities."
Abstract Millions of Americans, not to mention billions around the world, suffer from social inequality. This paper addresses this issue and its consequences.
Abstract In this essay, the writer discusses how Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber each address the problem of social inequality in different ways. The writer examines their different prescriptions for dealing with its effects. Further, the writer contends that whether revolutionary or reformist, these thinkers have left an indelible mark on our understanding of human society, human nature and economics.
From the Paper "It is logical to assume that for as long as human beings have existed in organized societies, so social inequality has presented itself within these societies as an obstacle to overcome an instrument to exploit or at the very least a reality to accept. Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber acting at times as sociologists, economic theorists and above all social critics, each explore in their writings the origins and functions of the social inequality that had grown rife in the modern industrial and capitalist society of ... "
Tags: karl marx, emile durkheim, max weber, social stratifications, social inequality, materialist theory, division of labor.
Abstract In this article the writer examines the inequality in health care, based on gender, race or ethnicity, and class. The writer discusses how the changing structure of health care delivery has made access an issue. The rising costs of medical care are examined in this paper. Further, the writer discusses the concept of managed care.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine issue fronts of class race ethnicity and gender-based inequality with reference to medical-care access. The plan of the research will be to set forth the context in which maldistribution of the benefits of medical care has achieved resonance in the contemporary period and then to supply a review of relevant literature and an assessment of the status of knowledge on the issue as well as to discuss patterns of experiences of medical care of groups in terms of class race ... "
Tags: health, care, inequality, social, institutions
Abstract The paper examines the book "Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools" written by Jonathon Kozol. The book looks at the distinction of education between wealthy and poor districts and between various races. The paper discusses the role of the government in regards to education and how many children are being denied an equal chance at success.
From the Paper "Jonathon Kozol has written numerous works on his views of the current situation of America's schools, focusing many on the inequalities surrounding the lines of race and class. Entering the field of education in 1964, he began his analysis of schools as a public school teacher in Boston. Several years later, he left the teaching profession for other need-oriented roles, such as adult illiteracy, health and homelessness. As he re-entered education, he began a two-year tour of schools around America. He reported the results of his visits in his 1991 publication of Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools. Needless to say, his thesis is aptly summarized through his choice of title. Savage Inequalities is a work which illustrates the educational divides across race and class."
