The Self-Perpetuation of Social Inequality in America

Social inequality in America is something that has been addressed in the past and continues to be addressed currently. It is a prime topic for social research and a source of lively debate. That does not, however, change its continuous and self-perpetuated existence through the concept of “ascribed status”. In this paper, I will argue that while social inequality continues to be addressed in America and it is indeed changing, it will continue to exist and negatively affect our society via the ascribed status of selected individuals. 

The United States, as a capitalist nation, is naturally socially stratified. In societies where more is produced than is consumed, there naturally becomes an unequal distribution of goods and thus, money and power. With intensive agriculture and rapidly advancing technology, fewer people are needed to do manual labor. A smaller number of people are producers, while an increasing number are consumers. Life necessities, such as food and shelter, are taken for granted because they can be produced rapidly with ease. The surplus of goods begins to become unevenly distributed and soon, a stratification system develops. My argument is that this stratification system is preserved by those in positions of power and power is usually withheld from selected individuals on the basis of ascribed status.