Social Inequality and Appalachian Economy

Social inequality is highly prevalent in the United States today. One of the major forms of social inequality is socio-economic. A population that has been severely affected by this form of inequality resides in the Appalachian region of the United States. By looking at this group through the perspectives of the functionalists and the conflict theorists, it is possible to locate the reasons for this inequality, what has been done about it, and what remains to be done. This model can then be adapted to be of use throughout the United States, specifically in other rural areas.

Functionalists believe that society is "composed of parts that work together." (Textbook, 13) Functions are actions of people that are beneficial to society, and these functions can be either manifest or latent. Dysfunctions, which undermine the equilibrium of society, also exist and can be manifest or latent. Through these distinctions, it can be determined whether a certain action or behavior is beneficial or not, and to whom. This becomes vital when discussion the customs of cultures that seem foreign, and prevent the dismissal of such customs as "weird."

Conflict theorists, while believing that all of society is indeed connected, see that society as existing in a constant power struggle between the bourgeoisie (the capitalists) and the proletariat (the workers). The bourgeoisie own the means of production, and can oppress the proletariat to fit their own needs. The proletariat then rise against the bourgeoisie, and if they are successful, there is a redistribution of the "means of production," (Textbook, 13) meaning things such as farms, mines, and factories. This model proves helpful when discussing relationships between workers and owners.