Sociology Discussion Post 3 – Answered

Sociology Discussion Post 3 – Answered

Respond to two (2) of the following prompts (Sociology Discussion Post 3 – Answered):

Consider the social stratification of your family tree. Compare your social standing to that of your parents and grandparents. If you are unfamiliar with these people, feel free to substitute other family members or acquaintances from other generations. (USLO 3.1)What social traits did your forebears pass down to you? Is there consistency or inconsistency in your family’s status? Which theoretical approach best describes your family’s social stratification? What changes do you anticipate for your family’s future generation? (USLO 3.1)Consider your own experiences with social mobility. How do rules, laws, and societal structures promote wealth and poverty? Do you believe that rules, laws, and societal structure have a greater impact on social mobility than individual traits such as a strong work ethic? Do you believe social mobility has decreased or risen in recent years? How could rules, laws, and societal structures impact your future social mobility? What are some strategies for dealing with this future possibility? (USLO 3.2)What is the relationship between subjective, absolute, and relative poverty and inequality/inequity? Who benefits from poverty, inequality, and inequity? Can policies be enacted to eliminate various forms of poverty and break the cycle of poverty? What are the advantages and disadvantages of enacting such policies? What role does the cycle of poverty play in maintaining social stratification, especially for women through the global feminization of poverty? (USLO 3.3)Which of the three theoretical approaches (functionalist, conflict, or symbolic interactionist) would you use to explain why healthcare injustice and inequity occurs and what to do about it? (USLO 3.4)What role does healthcare injustice play in perpetuating the system of stratification? How does the healthcare system maintain social stratification? Is healthcare injustice harming our society as a whole? (USLO 3.4).

Answer

Social Stratification and Mobility in My Family

In examining the social stratification within my family tree, I observe both consistency and some degree of social mobility. My grandparents were working-class individuals, primarily engaged in manual labor and service industry jobs. They lived in modest homes and had limited access to higher education. My parents, however, experienced upward mobility; both obtained college degrees and secured middle-class professional occupations. Consequently, I have benefited from this foundation, pursuing higher education and entering a professional career myself. This trajectory demonstrates a gradual improvement in social standing over generations.

The theoretical approach that best describes my family’s social stratification is the functionalism perspective. Functionalism suggests that social stratification exists because it contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society. Each generation in my family contributed to society in various roles, gradually improving their social standing through hard work and education, which aligns with the functionalist idea of meritocracy.

Looking ahead, I anticipate that my family’s future generations will continue to benefit from the increased access to education and opportunities that my parents and I have established. However, I am also aware that social mobility can be influenced by broader societal factors.

Social Mobility and Structural Influences

My experiences with social mobility reflect both the benefits of individual effort and the significant impact of structural factors. Rules, laws, and societal structures play a crucial role in promoting wealth and poverty. For instance, policies that support access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can enhance social mobility. Conversely, systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices can hinder it. I believe that societal structures often have a greater impact on social mobility than individual traits like a strong work ethic, as structural barriers can limit opportunities regardless of personal effort.

In recent years, social mobility has been perceived to be more challenging due to growing economic inequalities. Policies that promote fair wages, accessible education, and affordable healthcare can positively impact social mobility. Strategies to address future possibilities include advocating for policy changes, participating in community organizations, and leveraging social networks for support and opportunities.

Poverty, Inequality, and Theoretical Approaches

The relationship between subjective, absolute, and relative poverty highlights different dimensions of economic hardship and inequality. Subjective poverty refers to individuals’ perceptions of their economic status, absolute poverty defines a minimum level of subsistence, and relative poverty compares individuals’ income to societal standards. Poverty and inequality benefit those in higher social strata who gain from low-cost labor and maintain their status through existing power structures.

Policies to eliminate poverty can break its cycle but may face resistance due to political and economic interests. Such policies can include increasing minimum wage, providing universal healthcare, and ensuring affordable housing. While these policies can reduce inequality, they may also face criticism for potential economic impacts and the challenge of balancing resource allocation.

The conflict theory approach is most suitable for explaining healthcare injustice and inequity. Conflict theory posits that social stratification results from the ongoing conflict between different social groups competing for resources (Campbell, 2021). Healthcare injustice perpetuates stratification by disproportionately affecting disadvantaged groups, limiting their access to necessary services, and maintaining their lower social status. Addressing healthcare inequity through policies that ensure equal access and address social determinants of health can mitigate its harmful effects on society.

Generally, understanding the interplay between individual efforts and structural factors, along with implementing targeted policies, can foster greater social mobility and reduce inequalities. Acknowledging and addressing the systemic nature of healthcare injustice is essential for promoting a more equitable society.

References

Campbell B. (2021). Social Justice and Sociological Theory. Society58(5), 355–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-021-00625-4

(Sociology Discussion Post 3 – Answered)

 
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