Abstract This essay compares and contrasts two theoretical models regarding economicinequality. The first is presented by John Locke in his "Second Treatise of Government", which addresses the origins of economicinequality. The second, which is in sharp distinction to these views, is presented by French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality". The paper outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both. It argues that, while both works are very similar in their imagined origins of economicinequality in the early history of property, they differ radically in how they represent property and the justifications for its differing accumulations that ultimately give rise to economicinequality. The paper concludes that Locke envisions property and moderate levels of economicinequality as a good thing, while Rousseau condemns this inequality as a corrupting influence upon human society in every respect.
From the Paper "However, while there is a superficial similarity between how Locke and Rousseau each conceive of the state of nature, there is one important distinction between the two: property. While Locke conceives, as noted above, of an equality of property as existing in the state of nature, Rousseau contends that the innovation of property itself marked the ending of the state of nature and the beginning of human society.
"This is an important difference, and it goes to the heart of how each philosopher conceives of economic inequality. For example, it is clear from the outset of Rousseau's description of the state of nature and its defining characteristics that he sees property as not only a negative aspect of human society but as being fundamentally illegitimate as well."
Abstract Inequality among human beings has been an issue of concern from times immemorial and some of the greatest thinkers in human history have sought to narrow the gap between the haves and the have-nots through their philosophy, teachings and efforts. The paper shows that, ironically, religion has contributed more towards the inequality of mankind than any other "philosophy" in the recent past. It is not only religion however that has been responsible for the inequality. The paper shows that the whole economic and financial structure of capitalism, international financial rules and globalization is loaded in favor of the rich and has resulted in widening of the gap between the rich and the poor. We are now living in a world in which this gap is so pronounced as to be positively grotesque. The saddest part of the dilemma is that inequality in our world is increasing by the day. This essay is about the background, reasons and the present state of socioeconomic inequality. It includes a discussion of the theories of some of the leading philosophers in history who have deliberated on the issue such as Karl Marx. It examines the leading economic theory of our times?capitalism, and looks at its pros and cons. The present state of inequality in the world, the reasons behind rising inequality and its possible effects are also discussed.
From the Paper "In the Western Christian world, inequality was accepted as a way of life due to the widespread feeling that the existing social structure based on equality was impossible to change. The early Christian Church teachings emphasized that somehow living in sin had created inequality and misery for mankind, and a life without sin would solve all injustices. It was only in the 17th and 18th century that philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau began to teach the inherent equality of man and belief in the possibility of social transformation began to spread. This was followed by the spread of socialist and communist thought that predicted social transformation and the demise of inequality through violent revolution."
Tags: apartheid, Plato, Aristotle, Communist, Manifesto, Marxist, Bertrand, Russell
Abstract This paper critically examines the issue of growing economicinequality 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 In this article, the writer maintains that social inequality is an inevitable result of the unstable and unique status of mankind as free-thinking and non-homogenous. The writer notes that in the modern world, social inequality is applicable primarily to the economic income and worth of an individual, which determines his position in the stratum of today's society. According to the writer, should an individual be suffering the throes of social inequality and be down and out financially, indebted and in need of the essentials, deviance sometimes becomes the only viable option. The writer concludes that protest drops from the floods of discontent, for the most part at the behest of economicinequality, while an individual's ability to rise above that which constrains and dismays his is largely dependent upon his economic status.
Outline:
Personal life changes
Deviance
Protest
Conclusion
From the Paper "While the segregation of a particular race within the constraints of these three attributes seems illogical, it was done in the study, however in reality, it is likely that any individual who should come forth from a stable home environment, with quality educational partners, essentially meaning they attend a school where the other students are also interested in learning and advances, also indicative of a stable home environment, are able to advance just as well as Roman Catholic whites. The ability to make personal changes in life within the confines of one's mind is limited only by the mental roofs created by the individual, with knowledge and physical power readily attainable through dedication and training. However, for material changes in the realm of possessions, money is necessary, which may be accomplished by a tight adherence to the aforementioned training, to rise above the level of normality and thus deserve a higher compensation than the masses to thereby rise above the depths, from a Metropolitan point of view."
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 economicinequality, 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 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 America as the land of opportunity is a concept that has been around since the country's inception. Americans should have the economic opportunity that is associated with this general concept. As such, the topic of income inequality is of great importance. This paper explores the effects of international trade, immigration, and unionism on income inequality.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Income Inequality The Effects of International Trade on Income Inequality The Effects of Immigration on Income Inequality The Effects of the Decline of Unionism on Income Inequality Is Income Inequality Getting a Bad Rap?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Rising inequality and decreasing poverty could very well be a consistent feature of the New Economy. Rapid technological advancements have not only created great fortunes for a select few, but have also substantially improved the wages and quality of life for people at the lower end of the economic ladder. A better-educated society has also led to less poverty, while still increasing the income inequality gap, since those with college degrees have a wider spread of incomes. Although income inequality is disturbing, it is far better than poverty. More income inequality, with a faster growing economy, and less poverty is far more desirable than an economy with equal distribution of income but a high rate of poverty. This is not the first time in history that this blend of greater income inequality and reduced poverty has occurred."
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."
Abstract This paper examines how America was built on the ideal that those who contribute to the nation's economic growth should reap some of the benefits and how, over the last two decades, however, the benefits of growth have been skewed in favor of the wealthiest people. It looks at how recent changes in the economy have benefited society, bringing greater wealth and lower employment rates to the country. It attempts to analyze whether this economic growth can achieve the necessary social goals of the nation, which aim to reduce poverty and the income gap between people.
Outline
Introduction
Causes of EconomicInequality Arguments Concerning EconomicInequality Conclusion
From the Paper "In the early 1980s, trade and technology resulted in a "blue-collar disaster" because families struggled to maintain "living standards only by having fewer children, putting more members to work, and running up debt" (Allen, 1999, p. 1). Many people expressed outrage that people got poorer, while the country was obviously growing richer. However, there is a simple explanation for this. Although the country's economy was growing, but the "pieces were very unequally divided. The size of some people's pieces were growing faster than the pie itself is growing, which means other people's pieces had to shrink" (Watkins, 1999)."
An analysis of the economic and political structural differences between settlement in North America and Mexico caused by the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Abstract This paper discusses the furtherance of economic political and social structural inequities between Mexico and the U.S., a process which culminated into the establishment and juncture of the Transcontinental Railroad and various railroads in central Mexico. It examines how from the very beginning, Mexico's economy and government were at a disadvantage while the United States benefited from the growing economic independence that was able to tap the non utilized labor resources of Mexico. It analyzes how this railroad mobilization vented a surplus labor supply which was never and has never been sustained in Mexico, by improvements in its own economy. It evaluates how, if these structural inequities continue to grow unilaterally as they have been to the present day, Mexico will continue to experience an irrecoverable population hemorrhage to the north and a damaged economy.
From the Paper "The very beginnings of a diverted relationship in the development of nation-building between the U.S. and Mexico goes as far back to initial colonization efforts by both Great Britain and Spain leading to opposing economic footholds. It is quite surprising to note that by the 1607 establishment of Jamestown, the first American colony in North America, Spanish colonialism had been in effect since 1536 (Saragoza 2). With a time differential of 71 years, it would be logical to believe Spanish settlements would thrive sooner than those of American origin. However, in order to understand why that was exactly what did not happen, we must observe the circumstances under which each government saw their new territory's raw economic potential. In Latin America, Spain found what they called the ?El Dorado,? an abundant source of gold and silver."
Abstract The paper analyzes the causes of economic growth and its negative and positive effects in light of the statement that 'economic growth is not in the best interest of the population, at least not in the long term'. The writer relates that he partially agrees with the statement due to the negative long-term effects of economic growth, such as income inequality and negative effects on the natural environment. The writer also partially disagrees with the statement for he considers economic growth to have numerous advantages for the population that include technological, legal, educational and political advancements.
Outline:
Introduction
Economic Growth
Positive Effects of Economic Growth upon the People
Negative Effects of Economic Growth upon the People
Conclusions
From the Paper "Economic growth is an extremely wide concept and it can be looked at from numerous perspectives. For once, it can be analyzed from a generalist stand point, meaning the economic growth of the world. This basically affects the population in the meaning that it will increase their living standards, but it will also generate an increased consumption of the globe's natural resources. Then, it can be divided into geographical regions and understood as the growth of a country in comparison to another country. This represents the gap between developed and less developed countries, which is generally deepened by further economic growth. Finally, it can be seen as the growth and development of a company within a national or international context."
An look at how the leaders of the Civil Rights movement believed that racism was based on economics, and that the entire economic system of the United States and of the world was inherently flawed.
1,105 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, 2000, $ 38.95
Abstract The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was not a movement for equality in the social or political sense; rather, it was a movement to bring an end to economicinequality and exploitation by the elites. Common perception holds that the Civil Rights movement sought to gain certain political and social rights and equalities. Measures such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act reinforced such flawed perceptions. However, when the works of the leaders of the Civil Rights movement are consulted, it is discovered that they were seeking economic equality. They believed that the fundamental cause of racism was a flawed economic system. It is important to note that they did not believe that poverty in the traditional sense caused racism and inequality. They believed, especially King and Carmichael, that the entire economic system of the United States and of the world was inherently flawed. This essay explore? their arguments why racism was based on economics, why the system was flawed, and how they hoped to change the system.
Abstract Inequality and racism are fundamental issues that are in direct opposition to the principles of freedom, democracy and human rights that are such an important part of the American view of life. As such, racism and inequality are values that contradict the principles of freedom and equality that are enshrined in the American Constitution. This paper show, however, that the reality is that inequality and racism do exist in the United States. The paper discusses issues such as stereotypes and profiling, among others.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Prevalence of Racism in the United States
The Problem of Profiling
Causes of Racism
EconomicInequality Solutions to Racism
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "While projects and organizations are essential components in the solution to racism, I believe that no amount of institutionalized projects can solve the problem of radial prejudice on a permanent basis. The real solution to racism in America lies in a change of perception and eradication of all stereotypical perceptions. In other words, the best method to eradicate racism is to do away with negative perceptions by making a concerted effort to develop an understanding of other cultures and to cultivate a more positive attitude towards life."
Tags: discrimination, prejudice, Ku, Klux, Klan, First, Amendment
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 examines some of the current literature on the subject of ?economic justice? to look at both sides of the picture, identifies a few major issues, and draws conclusions from the review. It explains that if we look at the economic conditions in the present day world we would find that we are further from the ideal of economic justice than ever before. It shows how this is reflected in the rising inequality between the rich and the poor, both at the intra-country and inter-country levels ,and the crippling debt of the under-developed countries.
From the Paper "Reflecting the intellectual divide on most political and economic issues, there are basically two diametrically opposite views on the subject of economic justice. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it enables one to examine alternate opinions, but it does have the drawback of creating confusion?it becomes hard to decipher fact from fiction as the opposing schools of thought tend to "bend" arguments to suit their view-points. In any case, the rightist/ neo-liberal point of view holds that the present economic world order (represented by globalization and laissez faire economy, supported by the Bretton Wood institutions) is the path leading to global economic salvation. The leftist or alternate point of view propagates that the present economic order is promoting growing inequality between the rich and the poor and is the antithesis of ?economic justice.?"
Tags: bretton, wood, globalization, poor, debt, third, world
