The Perpetual Divide:
Author: Valery Asundep
Introduction
Our society is characterized by a stark hierarchical structure, dividing individuals into wealth-based categories: wealthy, rich, middle class, and poor. This disparity breeds a culture of privilege, entitlement, and systemic inequality.
The Elite and the Rules
Research highlights the tendency of the elite to bend rules and exploit their position:
1. Social privilege: Wealthy individuals often disregard laws and social norms (1).
2. Nepotism and cronyism: Elite networks perpetuate favoritism and unfair advantages (2).
3. Educational inequality: Teachers may grant undeserved grades to maintain job security (3).
The Children of Privilege
Children from wealthy families often develop harmful attitudes:
1. Entitlement and bullying: Unchecked privilege fosters aggressive behavior (4).
2. Lack of accountability: Overprotection hinders personal growth and responsibility (5).
3. Inherited attitudes: Children adopt parents' elitist views, perpetuating social divide (6).
The Layers of Hierarchy
This complex system is challenging to dismantle:
1. Social stratification: Hierarchical structures reinforce inequality (7).
2. Economic disparities: Wealth concentration exacerbates social and economic gaps (8).
3. Institutionalized favoritism: Systemic biases maintain elite privilege (9).
Consequences of Hierarchy
The damage inflicted by hierarchy is multifaceted:
1. Social unrest: Economic inequality fuels discontent and social instability (10).
2. Mental health concerns: Pressure to maintain status can lead to anxiety and depression (11).
3. Stifled mobility: Limited social movement perpetuates poverty and inequality (12).
Breaking the Cycle
To mitigate hierarchy's harm:
1. Education reform: Merit-based systems promote fairness and accountability (13).
2. Economic redistribution: Progressive policies address wealth disparities (14).
3. Social awareness: Recognizing and challenging elitist attitudes can foster empathy (15).
Conclusion
Hierarchy's insidious effects permeate our society, perpetuating inequality and social harm. By understanding the mechanisms driving this divide, we can work toward:
1. Dismantling elitist structures
2. Fostering accountability and meritocracy
3. Promoting social mobility and equality
References:
1. Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2009). The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger.
2. Sachs, J. D. (2011). The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity.
3. Bowles, S., & Gintis, H. (2002). The Inheritance of Inequality.
4. Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement.
5. Lareau, A. (2003). Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life.
6. Bourdieu, P. (1986). The Forms of Capital.
7. Grusky, D. B., & Weisshaar, K. (2016). Social Stratification: Class, Race, and Gender in Sociological Perspective.
8. Stiglitz, J. E. (2012). The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future.
9. Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century.
10. Putnam, R. D. (2015). Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis.
11. Marmot, M. G. (2004). Status Syndrome: How Your Social Standing Directly Affects Your Health.
12. Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom.
13. Ravitch, D. (2013). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement.
14. Krugman, P. (2012). End This Depression Now!
15. Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed.
