Sociological Theories Of Inequality Essay

Sociological theories on inequality For many years, sociological theorists have severally examined the issue of social inequality, particularly its roots and effects on society. Karl Marx, for instance in his conflict theory argues that society is mainly made up of two classes: the proletariat and bourgeoisie (Weeden & Grusky, 1723). He further explains that the bourgeoisie are mainly individuals who own the means of production, for example vital equipment, businesses and factories. He refers to the workers who work or in these firms as the proletariat. Marx observed that the “material production forces” which exist in such societies result in conflicts and ultimately result to inefficiencies inequality, class struggle and stratification. By cutting down social benefits, pursuing military aggression and driving down wages, the owners of the means of production compensate for any fall in profit, mainly caused by unsustainable living standards and subsequent low purchasing power of the population.

Marx lamented that in capitalist societies the bourgeoisie exploit workers by paying them low wages and salaries; only enough to buy themselves food and continue working for them, as though they do not have other need for money (Weeden & Grusky, 1737). The proletariat

He divides societies based on their level of economy, communication and technology. He analyzes inequality using historical perspectives, for example, most human groups developed to being industrialized from agrarian societies, horticulturalists, and pastoralist and much earlier as hunters and gatherers (Weeden & Grusky, 1773). The rate of inequality in the hunting and gathering phase of human development was low, because people possessed similar skills, goods and services. Division of labor was nonexistent at this