Section Overview
The section provides a comprehensive exploration of social inequality, highlighting its definition as the unequal distribution of power, resources, and opportunities in society. It examines various dimensions of social inequality, including power and authority, wealth and income disparities, occupational inequalities, and educational disparities. The section delves into theories that explain the existence and perpetuation of social inequality, including structural-functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and intersectionality. It emphasizes the importance of sociological analysis in critically examining the structures and mechanisms contributing to disparities and social hierarchies. The study of social inequality provides insights into power distribution, access to resources, and opportunities within society, as well as the challenges faced by marginalized groups. The section concludes by looking ahead to the next section, which will delve into the creation of social inequality, its impact on individuals and communities, and future trends and challenges in addressing it. By deepening our understanding of social inequality, we can work towards creating positive social change and building a more equitable society.
Reading Assignment for Section 7.1
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 7.1: What is social inequality?
What You Will Learn
In this section, you will explore the concept of social inequality and understand how power, resources, and opportunities are distributed unevenly in society. You’ll dive into various theories that explain why social inequality exists and how it is perpetuated. Additionally, you will examine different dimensions of social inequality, such as disparities in wealth, income, occupation, and education.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 7.1
- SLO 1: Students will define social inequality as the unequal distribution of power, resources, and opportunities in society.
- SLO 2: Students will analyze theories of social inequality (structural-functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, intersectionality) to understand its existence and perpetuation.
- SLO 3: Students will examine various dimensions of social inequality, including power and authority, wealth and income disparities, occupational inequalities, and educational disparities.
- SLO 4: Students will critically analyze the structures and mechanisms contributing to social inequality and gain insights into power distribution, resource access, and opportunities within society.
- SLO 5: Students will recognize the challenges faced by marginalized groups, contribute to the pursuit of a more equitable society, and understand the importance of addressing social inequality for positive social change.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/26/2023
This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
