About Social Stratification

Sociologists and Social Stratification

Sociologists have been studying social stratification for a long time. Social groups have become a prevalent occurrence in modern society when individuals work according to their income flow. The rivalry theory, according to Karl Marx, is responsible for social classes. According to the hypothesis, individuals in society are often competing over scarce resources. As a result, those in charge of the manufacturing factors employ cheap labor from others. As a result, the rich begin to become richer, while the peasants remain in their place, resulting in the formation of a class hierarchy (Reeves).

Access to Opportunities and Services in Social Classes

The existence of social classes in society means that others have the privilege of accessing opportunities and services. One major aspect of social classes is that people from the lower class may not get access quality healthcare. For this reason, policymakers are trying their best to fight for equal access to quality health.

The Capitalism Aspect of Social Classes

Additionally, conflict theory explains the capitalism aspect of social classes. Usually, the upper classes are regarded as the elite and powerful. Therefore, not only does the upper class control the economy of the day (Reeves). Usually, the upper classes are regarded as the elite and powerful. Therefore, not only does the upper class control the economy of the day, but also the politics and policies. Often, this class will formulate laws that favor them, rending the people from the lower class helpless. From a sociological perspective, people from the lower class have to work extra harder to fight for equal positions as those in the upper class.

Addressing Social Stratification Issues

In addressing problems of social stratification, Washington post published an article titled, “Check Your Privilege, Upper Middle Class.” The article authored by Reeves explains that politicians in America are always sure that they are working for the middle class. However, the author argues against the point that America is a middle class society. From his view, Reeves confirms that America still has the three main social classes in the society, as in upper, middle, and lower. Additionally, the author warns politicians of their continuous ignorance against the fact that classes exist in the American society. For this reason, the author advices the political class to develop strategies that would be used to established to achieve an equal ground in the economy class. Notably, politics in America have increased social stratification, as politicians aim at getting a chance of power (Reeves). Besides, from the American history, it is evident that the minority groups are still struggling to compete with others in the society. Moreover, the author indicates that 80% of the American have not had any increase in their pay, thereby increasing inequality in the society. As such, the author warns that inequality will pose a huge threat to the American economy in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social stratification is not only an American issue, but a problem that all governments are fighting against. Nonetheless, the main factors that steer social classes include inequalities at the workplace and the struggle for the limited resources in the society. Inequality in terms of income means that citizens will have an unequal distribution of resources. As a result, it is necessary for leaders to develop policies that can help in reducing the aspects of inequality in society. Nonetheless, social classes can be explained from both conflict and capitalist perspectives.

Works Cited

Reeves, Richard . “Check your privilege, upper middle class.” Check your privilege, upper middle class (2016): n. pag. Web. 20 Feb. 2017. .