For Kim Woods Only
English Composition II: Research Paper Draft 2 1
Research Paper Draft 2
English Composition II
November 25, 2014
English Composition II: Research Paper Draft 2 2
English Composition II
November 25, 2014
Social Inequality
Social inequality is generally defined as uneven distribution of resources in a society.
There are a number of ways that can portray social inequality, for example through allocation
norms which tampers with particular patterns along the lines of categories of people that have
been defined by people (Wilkinson, 2009). Social inequality can also be categorized into
economic inequality. This type of social inequality is majorly studied and basically features
unequal distribution of money, income and wealth.
Besides the economic social inequality and the norms inequality, there are natural and
social resources that are also unevenly shared in very many societies worldwide hence creating
social status. Education social inequality is an example of such inequalities that greatly affect
people globally. Though this inequality is defined differently and viewed differently in every
society, education social inequality always results to uneven distribution of education. Whatever
the definition, educational social inequality is bringing worse consequences within society
besides there being educational gaps. For example, young people lacking good educational
privileges are resulting to negative behaviors, abusing of drugs, theft, and prostitution at a young
age among other bad behaviors.
Educational social inequality is a global problem, affecting many families around the
world (Abel, 2008). Without equal educational opportunities, then there will never be equal
economic distribution or equal opportunity distribution. The good news is that educational social
inequality can be eradicated and totally avoided. This paper explains not only the definition, and
English Composition II: Research Paper Draft 2 3
causes of education social inequality; this paper also outlines means in which the problem can be
resolved totally.
Social inequality in education differs from one country to another. Social inequality, as it
pertains to education also differs from time to time. The author of “Key ideas in Sociology”
(2003), Martin Slattery, describes educational social inequality as the relationship between
highly attained level of education of an individual with that of the parents. Thomas Abel, who is
the author of “cultural capital and social inequality in health” (2008), describes educational
social inequality as the disability of poor parents to pay higher education for their children. He
continues to state that children from poor background perform poorly or fail to attain higher
education because of poor resources attained by the parents. According to Richard Wilkinson,
the author of “The Spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better” (2010), states
educational social inequality is linked to race and ethnicity with individuals from particular
ethnic minorities who underperform in school in comparison to people from majority populaces.
Kathryn Neckerman conducted a broad research in her book, “What really causes Social
Inequality” (2004). After the research which basically questioned if the current growth in social
inequality had any connection with the growing differences in domains of community like the
superior neighborhood way of living with family. She noted that educational social inequality
was a result of a rising training level with minimum financial aid on students from poor
background. Daniel Dorling, the author of, “Injustice: Why Social Inequality Persists” (2011),
outlines that educational social inequality is present and persistent because of very limited
resources being shared among too many people. Unfairness of yesterday is today’s inequality
and unfairness of today is inequality of tomorrow (Daniel, 2011). This means according to
Daniel, inequality is a generational issue.
English Composition II: Research Paper Draft 2 4
Social inequality in education is different in every country (Slattery, 2003). There is also
a differing effect in every generation when it comes to social inequality says Slattery. In every
country, the parent’s education differs from that of their children (Slattery, 2003). According to
Abel (2008), Social inequality differences come as a result of differing learning structures
worldwide. Abel believes the only difference in education structure is class; rich kids are able to
attain high education, while poor kids only attain minimum education level (Abel, 2008).
Slattery also states that education grows with generation, while Abel, believes education grows
with monetary power.
According to Malcolm Waters, the author of “The Reshaping and Dissolution of Social
Class in Advanced Society” (1996), Educational Social Inequality can be eradicated by the
government creating affordable standards of learning. The people living in different societies
should devise strategies of ensuring all children despite their backgrounds or financial ability
attains good education level and performs well as such (Waters, 1996). He continues to say all
children whether rich or poor have equal rights to enjoying a good education. Failure to
educational equality leads to a number of social and health issues which include obesity caused
by overconsumption, use of drug substances, depression, violence and teenage pregnancies.
Social inequality is a minor problem that should be solved with the help of governmental
support, through social rearrangement, as well as through coming up with similar strategies of
education regardless of social class (Waters, 2003). Kathryn Neckerman, the writer of “Social
Inequality and What Really Causes Social Inequality”, (2004) who also links education social
inequality to financial differences, when it comes to forming a solution to the problem, she
suggests that the government should come up with an agenda to conduct investigative research
on the issue to help in formulating a solution.
English Composition II: Research Paper Draft 2 5
References
Abel, T. (2008). Culture capital and social inequality in health. Journal of Epidemiology and
Community Health
Dorling, D. (2011). Injustice: why social inequality persist. The policy press, the University of
Bristol
Neckerman, K. (2004). Social inequality; what really causes social inequality. The Oxford
University library
Slattery, M. (2003). Key ideas in Sociology. Nelson Thornes Ltd.
Waters, M. (1996). The reshaping and dissolution of social class in advanced society. Theory
and Society
Wilkinson, R. (2009). The Spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better. Allen
Lane