Social Inequality & Conflict Theory: Understanding Inequality in Society - Essay Sample

Introduction

Social inequality comprises of a society that is imbalanced concerning issues to do with race, gender, and class. In such a society, individuals do not enjoy equal rights and resources (Crossman, 2020). Social inequality could manifest in various ways, such as unequal police treatment of persons, wealth inequality, unequal access to cultural resources, and education. Social inequality exists and thrives under social stratification in society.

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Conflict Theory

Conflict theory states that unbalanced resources, status, and power between groups in a society can result in a conflict that could lead to a social change. Concerning power, the theory recognizes the control over politics, material resources, and vital social institutions to be the imperative aspects upon which it is based (Crossman, 2019). The theory also supposes that one's social status is determined by the relative considerations of class, gender, race, culture, and religion.

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism is considered a vital framework in the sociological theory. It is a perspective that is based on the idea that people develop symbolic meaning as they interact with each other within the society. George Herbert Mead originally coined this theory in the 1920s (Crossman, 2020). In essence, the theory suggests that people behave according to how they interpret their world.

Social Groups

A social group is defined as an interaction between two or more persons. Thus, sharing like characteristics and imbued with unity. In itself, a social group is not an aggregate of persons but is characterized by a unique cohesion constructed based on social identification with the group (Mondal, n.d). In that regard, social groups can be demystified on the bases of social identity and cohesion approach.

Culture

Culture as a term is comprised of intangible aspects of social life, such as values, communication, language systems, beliefs, and unifying practices. Sociologists suppose that culture is important in shaping an individual's social relationships, perpetuating and altering existential social order. On another level, culture is supposed to comprise what people do and how they behave mostly concerning dances, theatrics, and sporting activities (Cole, 2019). Collectively, culture plays a significant role in shaping social order. This aspect determines how people co-exist in society through the observance of agreed-upon rules and norms harmoniously.

How I Resonate with the Above Terms, Theories, and Concepts

Social Inequality

I have witnessed various social inequality incidences, but one is not forgotten me when we attended a Christmas eve event where numerous musicians and movie stars were to be present. On this day, security had been beefed up around the arena with security personnel checking everyone who was to go through the gate, whether on foot or driving. As people were being checked, my attention was drawn to a Muslim couple. Who seemed to receive some 'special' treatment from the security officers. The couple had a vehicle, so instead of just a normal scan and checking the contents of their vehicle's boot like other motorists, their car was frisked from the dashboard the back seats to the boot. In my opinion, the security officers at the gate were being biased against this particular couple. They ought not to have treated them differently from the rest. Supposedly, the Muslim couple was treated in that manner due to their connection to terrorism, but the incidence illuminates social inequalities in the United States.

Conflict Theory

Regarding the conflict theory, I connect it with the recent protest of the 'black lives matter' campaign where black Americans protested and were joined by other races in rising against a man that was purportedly killed by the police. The fact that the police were white and the man that was suffocated to death was a black American, the situation illuminated existential issues in the American society. The conflict mentioned above sparked a global revolution where other countries such as the U.K joined—as exemplified by football players during their first matches after breaking due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. I watched and read about the protest in both mainstream and social media platforms, an indication that such oppressive treatments were intolerable.

Symbolic Interactionism

About symbolic interactionism, I resonate with this concept based on two incidences. One was when I attended a basketball training session in our local training ground before I decided to delve into soccer years later. The other incidence is related to my soccer team. When I was training with the basketball team, the coach used to emphasize on reciting a short prayer before the game commenced. According to the coach, the short prayer was imperative in our winning of the incoming match. Later, when I joined the soccer team, I met up with another kind of trainer who instead or rather in place of the short player, he insisted on reciting a team slogan.

Unlike the basketball trainer, the soccer coach insisted that the slogan was aimed at creating unity in the team; thus, the team was better placed playing under a team spirit. The two coaches were both great, based on how the teams performed on the pitch. They, however, understood success in two varied ways—one perceived success to be a religious attribution while the other believed in a slogan. My experience from both incidences made me believe that no matter what one believed, all they needed is a motivating factor, and they will achieve their targets.

Social Groups

Concerning social groups, I remember when we had to visit our grandparents as a family in one of the holidays. On arrival, my siblings and I were introduced to neighboring children by our cousins. At that time, my siblings loved soccer, and I was for basketball. When the time for playing arrived, I realized that we were split into two groups—automatically by the sporting activities we loved. My siblings followed the soccer group, and I enjoyed basketball with other acquittances. We meet with my siblings when dusk fell as we were walking home. Interestingly, we did not talk at all as I found basket banters with my new friends more interesting. My siblings were also engrossed in talks concerning soccer—discussion various celebrities and skill moves in the sport.

Culture

I once attended a Chinese junk fest, where they showcased various types of cultural foods. At that time, I had not acquainted myself with their culture, so I had gone there to learn. When it was time for dining, I noticed that most of the food was noodles. Different from how we eat such meals at home, I noticed that the Chinese used chop-sticks. These chop-sticks were very difficult for me to use that I hardly eat anything in the event. In retrospect, my dismal eating in the event was based on nothing but cultural difference.

Conclusion

My Favorite Part in the Introduction to Sociology Course. My most interesting part of the course so far has been symbolic interactionism. The content of the subject matter intrigues me, especially after learning that we view the world completely differently. I was contrived to withdraw my earlier strict opinions where I saw one religion being more significant than others and understood that I must not be correct in my perception of the world. From the part mentioned above of the course, I also understand that people may apply different concepts in their determination of success, religion, slogans, etc. Yet, all may be successful in their endeavors, nevertheless.

References

Cole, N.L. (2019). So, What Is Culture, Exactly? ThoughtCo.
https://www.thoughtco.com/culture-definition-4135409

Crossman, A. (2019). Understanding conflict theory. ThoughtCo.
https://www.thoughtco.com/conflict-theory-3026622

Crossman, A. (2020). The Sociology of Social Inequality. ThoughtCo.
https://www.thoughtco.com/sociology-of-social-inequality-3026287

Crossman, A. (2020). What Is Symbolic Interactionism? ThoughtCo.
https://www.thoughtco.com/symbolic-interaction-theory-3026633

Mondal, P. (n.d). Social Groups: The Meaning, Characteristics, Classification, and other details (7041 Words). Your Article Library.
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/social-groups-the-meaning-characteristics-classification-and-other-details-7041-words/8510