Summary Of Inequality By Design

Inequality exists because of the need to stratify a society and dividing it into a hierarchy that separates the bourgeoisie from the proletariat. In simplest terms, a stratification system is a method that tries to create a balance between the prestige and the working class. Inequality is not a matter of when and where, but a matter of who and why. The purpose of social stratification is to have certain types of people to maintain and carry out certain jobs and professions. Because of differences in economic status, privilege, and opinions, inequality is inevitable. In fact, every healthy society has some sort of inequality to keep a sense of balance. In no way will a certain amount of inequality ever be avoidable. Kingsley Davis and Wilbert E. Moore describe inequality and the method of stratification as a functional necessity of society. The system is meant to trigger a sense of motivation and a willingness to perform the duties of the positions

The authors of “Inequality by Design” depict inequality as inheritance of genetics which have both advantages and disadvantages. The resources, quality of schooling, and the historical era can influence each individual to the extent to where it can be a benefit or create an issue for a society. The authors believe that Americans choose who is at the top of the hierarchy and who resides at the bottom of the slope. The individuals with above average genetics and who are most likely to survive are considered to be the upper class, while as the quality of genetics lessens, so does the social class in which an individual falls into such as the middle class and the lower class. Max Weber defines inequality as, “Law exists when there is a probability than an order will be upheld