The Nature Of Social Inequality

When we think of inequality, we are faced with a long list of issues from poverty, justice, race, class, economy, wealth, income, and many more that contributes to economic and social instability. The nature of economic inequality emerged when we were capable of possession. This ability allowed us to own private property, preserve resources, and produce a surplus that could be distributed amongst other people from buying, selling, or trading. As follows, “Inequality is the result of abundance.” (Conley, 233) Thus, production continues to flourish, income is generated and wealth increases. Since then, this issue has created a substantial debate about economic and social inequality, the unequal distribution of power and wealth in our society,

So, where did inequality come from? How did it all start? Is inequality necessary for society? Jean Jacques Rousseau heavily influenced socialist thoughts and saw that there were two forms of inequality: natural and social. Natural inequality consisted of “difference of age, health, bodily strengths, an the qualities of the mind or of the soul.” (Conley, 236) He saw that there will always be someone more talented, strong, smarter etc. than another person and there would be no way to prevent that. We are all not the same, naturally. In contrast, social inequality consisted of “different privileges which some men enjoy to the prejudice of others, such as that of being more rich, more honored, more powerful, or even in a position to exact obedience.” (Rousseau, 1754/2004, p. 15) His negative perspective on social inequality allowed him to believe that it is “morally wrong, and creates social problems.” (Heard, 2) As societies begin to form, we become more aware of our basic needs, developing a sense of greed and the will to dominate over others. As long as privileges and the idea of uneven access/distribution of resources exists, social problems will continue

Though, we are able to reduce this problem. For one, we can enforce living wages. Despite its disadvantages of inflation, rising taxes, and increasing produce costs, workers should be able to have a wage that allows them to earn enough money to support themselves and their family. By raising minimum wage, not only does this improves the standard living for workers, it enhances their own dignity and give them the motivation to continue working, allowing productivity to increase. Everyone should be empowered to create, innovate, and produce. By increasing productivity, surplus arises, allowing others as well as ourselves to become better off, overall bettering our economic system. We still would have the drive to generate more wealth and income because all we want is more and to have the ability to pass wealth down for