The Social Problem: Class Inequality

The well-disposed Problem Class InequalityClass variation refers to the inequality of incomes between individuals, families, or between different groups, atomic number 18as, or countries (Black, 2002). These inequalities occur as a result of differences in the ability to earn incomes as well as differences in property ownership. somewhat individuals usually have lower incomes than others, especially those who be economically inactive. This is usually as a result of age, poor health, or inability to find employment.Class inequality is a major social problem in the US and other parts of the world. For example, several studies have exhibit that a childs future may be determined by the social status. mavin study found that although children may have similarities in their ability, differences in the fortune to which they were born could make the difference on who will be successful in future, and who will not. By viewing two children Bobby (the son of a lawyer) and Jimmy (son of a custodial assistant) who both do well in class, the study found that it makes it 27 times more likely that Bobby will get a proud profile job, while Jimmy had one accident in eight of earning a median income. It is projected that currently, social inequality is greater in the US than in any other industrialized nation (Wolff, 1995). In 2007, a study conducted by the Congressional Office Bureau revealed that the wealth held by the richest 1 percent of the total American population totaled US$16.8 trillion, which makes up USD$2 trillion more than the combined wealth of the lower 90 percent of the American population. Another study conducted by the Center for American Progress (2007) showed that between 1979 and 2007, the average income of the bottom 50 percent of American households grew by solely 6%, while the top 1% incomes increased by a massive 229 percent. This reveals that the gap between the rich and the poor in the US is widening, and may affect the future of children wh o come from economically disadvantaged families. This may lead to accelerated rates of crime, violence and drug abuse amongst poor communities.High advances in technology have led to the globalization phenomenon, whereby people in different parts of the world can interact faster and less expensively than before. Some activists consider globalization a social problem. For example, Stiglitz (2002) argues that globalization forced developing nations to liberalize their economies before they were ready, which pushed their citizens to poverty, a major social problem. Further, religious groups, especially Muslims and Christians, are opposed to globalization because it may erode some of their values. With globalization come cultural clashes, which are leading to erosion of cultures. These difference of opinions may not be well-fixed to resolve because with globalization, at that place are difficulties in the issues related to justice, identity and equity. For example, previously, when d isputes arose between people, they could be resolved by the government or the local council. The process of conflict resolution was faster. However, with globalization, social disputes go beyond local, regional and international boundaries. The process of conflict resolution is slower, and this makes people feel victimized, angry and powerless. As a result, in that respect is a tendency for people to turn to violence when they feel they have no alternative.According to Stiglitz, globalization has its advantages, but also disadvantages. He states that it has a gamy potential to bring benefits to the world. So far, globalization has not brought comparable benefits in many parts of the world, and it is viewed by many as a disaster. However, since globalization is like a shot a reality which affects everyone, it is essential that we strategize on how to benefit from it, and how to mitigate its negative impacts. In order to reap the benefits of globalization, the world will have to ma ke intellectual decisions for people on both sides of the divide.A number of Sociological Theories attempt to pardon why people commit crimes. These include the Strain Theory, the Social attainment Theory, the Control Theory, the Labeling Theory and the social Disorganization Theory. According to Agnew (1992), all crime theories attempt to explain crime as a component of the social environment. Social environment includes the family, school, peer group, workplace, community as well as the society. The morphologic strain theory, for example, states that social structures in a society could encourage its citizens to commit crimes. The structural strain theory was advanced by several sociologists. These were Merton (1938), Cohen (1955), Cloward and Ohlin (1960), Agnew (1992), as well as Messner and Rosenfeld (1994). According to the authors, strain can either be structural, which depicts the processes at the societal level which filter down and affect how an individual perceives his or her needs. That is, if particular social structures are inherently inadequate, the individuals perceptions may change to view them as opportunities. On the other hand, strain can be at the individual level, where it refers to the pain experienced by an individual when he seeks ways to satisfy his needs. At this level, if the goals of a society become significant to an individual, actually achieving them may become more important than the means adopted.The commemorateing theory, also known as social reaction theory, was develop by Howard Becker (1963), a sociologist. This theory states that deviance is not a quality of the act, since results from personality factors associated with committing deviance. Its main focus is on the linguistic tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities, mainly those perceived as deviant from the norms. According to this theory, self-identity and behavior of individuals can be influenced by the terms employ to describe them. This theory is sometimes used to explain why people take drugs. An individual, for example, may escape to drugs due to low self esteem resulting from being constantly stereotyped. vane Runner 1982 Ridley Scott synopsis of Postmodernism steel Runner 1982 Ridley Scott Analysis of PostmodernismResearch Proposal Commentary marque Runner 1982 Ridley ScottPostmodernism, after the modernist movement, is a term now almost as ubiquitous, dislike and misunderstood as its parent, the modern (Jencks, C, p.14). It is a reaction to modernism, an aesthetic, to try and describe changes to conditions and institutions by the drawing of attention to conventions (Oxford, 2009). Throughout this commentary I will explain how my chosen engage of discussion Blade Runner 1982, directed by Ridley Scott, is relevant to the postmodern era.I have chosen Blade Runner as the object for study as it is one of my favourite films I feel it engages artistically and complexly with the issue of postmodernism. It is around the theme of identity I consider the film best represents not only its understanding of postmodernity but also its connection with postmodernism, as the structure of feeling of late capitalism (McGuigan, 1992, p.221).The city of Blade Runner is relevant to the postmodern era, as it highlights the representation of post-industrial decay it is not the ultra-modern but rather the postmodern city. The city represents an aesthetic of decay, revealing the process of chemical decomposition reaction what could be seen as the dark side of technology (Giuliana, B). Recycling, erosion and the explosion of boundaries help reinforce this postmodern aesthetic in Blade Runner. Post-industrialism, spatial relations, urban decay, other(prenominal)iche consumption and time consumption are five recognised postmodern issues I find to be represented within Blade Runner.Post-industrialism is intelligibly embodied in Blade Runners Tyrell Corporation (the main business company within the film). The film re ferences changes in the dominant mode of production and the organisation of business, which could be called advanced corporate capitalism (Davis, 1992). 1.Harvey 1989 states how flexible accumulation creates the postmodern economic actuality of overwhelming corporate power Blade Runner is inundated with advanced technology, from levitate cars, large electronic advertisements on blimps to videophones, the driving force behind the post-industrial society creating this power.In terms of spatial relations, postmodernity is characterised by class polarisation, with the wealthy and the poor fit progressively more socially isolated from each other. This relationship makes itself evident in the concrete spatial relations of postmodern cities, like Los Angeles (2.Harvey, 1989). This is made likely with the architectural mise-en-scene in Blade Runner, particularly with the monolithic ivory tower of Tyrell, dominating the urban landscape of the poor, portraying a hierarchical class division .One of the most clearly presented conditions of postmodernity in Blade Runner is time compression, the outcome of increased consumption and exchange on the experience of time. Bringing with it an emphasis of whimsicality and volatility (2.Harvey, 1989), the postmodern society is required to become accustomed to the demands of flexible accumulation. This is relevant with the replicant characters in Blade Runner, who are forced to live in broken temporality (Bruno, G 1990). It is this lack of safe temporal continuity represented within Blade Runner (Jameson, 1985) from neurotic preoccupation of its characters with individual pasts to ageing diseases that makes the film postmodern.Another issue represented within Blade Runner, which is considered another postmodern concern, is urban decay. Bruno states the speed and growth of development brings its own rapid ineluctable decease and decay. Blade Runner portrays a post-industrial decaying future of Los Angeles, opposed to the familiar perception of ultra-modernity (shown within sci-fi films in the 1950s). It emphasises the effect of de-concentration with the result of immigration known as geographic displacements and condensations (Bruno, 1990). As the upper class individuals vacate vast areas of the city, the poor and immigrants then can use these areas. Blade Runners Off World colonies could be a typic extension in the trend to vacate a city in support of the commuter land of home-based work, as a blimp advertises A chance to begin againAs well as the issue of urban decay being a postmodern issue within Blade Runner, there is also pastiche consumption. This is where the postmodernist culture and postmodern socio-economics links start to be revealed as difficult and uneven (Connor, 1989). In the film, the use of pastiche images and past/present zeals is portrayed particularly in the mixture of architectural designs within the urban landscape, as Bruno states it is a pastiche city. An example of this pastiche in Blade Runner is where Rachael played by actress Sean Young is dressed in 1940s utility clothing blending the space age of the 1960s. An architectural example is the style of the retro bar where Deckard (Harrison Ford) finds Zhora (Joanna Cassidy).These points I have outlined reveal how Blade Runner is considered to be relevant to the postmodern era, using postmodern theoretical references. However, they are not the only reference points between Blade Runner and postmodernism. The Film also portrays elements of hyperreality and simulacra, which I will discuss within the essay.BibliographyJencks, C. (1996). What is Postmodernism?. Published by academy Press 4 edition (June 13, 1996)Oxford Dictionary. (2009). Postmodernism. Available at http//www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/postmodernism?view=uk Accessed 28/10/09McGuigan, J. (1992). Anomie of the people. In Cultural Populism. London Routledge.Giuliana, B. (1987). Ramble City Postmodernism and Blade Runner. Available at http//www.stan ford.edu/dept/HPS/Bruno/bladerunner.html Accessed 28/10/09Davis, M. (1992). City of Quartz Excavating the Future in Los Angeles. London Vintage.Harvey, D. (1989). Flexible accumulation through urbanization reflections on Post-Modernism in the American city. In The Urban Experience. Oxford Basil Blackwell.Harvey, D. (1989a). Time-space compression and the postmodern condition. In The Condition of Postmodernity An Enquiry into the Origins of Cultural Change. Oxford Basil Blackwell.Bruno, G. (1990). Ramble city postmodernism and Blade Runner. In A. Kuhn (ed.), Alien Zone Cultural Theory and Contemporary Science Fiction Cinema. London Verso.Jameson, F. (1985). Postmodernism and consumer society. In H. Foster (ed.), Postmodern Culture. London Pluto Press.Connor, S. (1989). Postmodernities. In postmodernist Culture An Introduction to Theories of the Contemporary. Oxford Blackwell.