. Explain and discuss the implications of the growing rate of social inequalities in contemporary life in the United States. Discuss the relationship of social inequality to poverty rates and demographic factors. Cite examples of social inequality as evidenced in the social institutions of education, health care, and family.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Social inequality is widening between the richest and poorest in our society. The gap is particularly stark for minorities. Social inequality can be seen in a range of social institutions. In education, those in higher socioeconomic groups have access to better schools with higher success rates, and their children are therefore more likely to have opportunities for higher education and greater earning potential. In health care, with the lack of a system of socialized medicine, the health care system in the U.S. remains two-tiered, where those who can afford the best care get it, and those who cannot (due to having only Medicaid, or no insurance at all) either get no care or lower-quality care. This obviously has an impact on overall functioning, earning potential, and life expectancy. Social inequality also puts greater economic stress on families, especially when many of the lower-income families are single-parent (typically female-headed).