For Kim Woods Only

Research Proposal: Social Inequality in Our Society Today 1

Research Proposal

Social Inequality in Our Society Today

Daniel L. Gray # 224648

Columbia Southern University

Research Proposal: Social Inequality in Our Society Today 2

My rationale for this topic is that resources in our society are unevenly distributed,

basically through allocation norm, which is leading to endangering the specific and socially

defined outlines of people. Research on this subject may possibly outline a solution towards

social inequality within our society. The context surrounding this research on social injustice is

hinged on providing solid evidence concerning the uneven distribution of educational

opportunities, such as the availability of scholarships, or institutions of higher learning intended

only for the entitled and wealthy. The end result is to identify how educational outcomes and

family background are related to social inequality.

Social inequality in education differs from one country to another. Social inequality, as it

pertains to education also differs from time to time. Inequality in education is generally

conceptualized as a relationship between the highest attainted level of education of a person and

that of their parents. The process of inter-generational education mobility conducted in twenty

industrialized countries through log multiplicative and log linear methods have shown that the

educational mobility degree has been stable for the past half of the 20th century in almost all

nations. Nevertheless, there is quite a difference in all nations concerning the level of education

of parents in comparison to that of their children (Slattery, 2003).

According to research, there is an association between education inequality and the

structure of institutions in the educational system nationwide (Abel, 2008). The higher education

of a student is dictated by the income of the parents. To many times it has proven evident that a

student strives to succeed, applies themselves heart and soul, and once the time comes to seek

out higher learning they are shunned or turned away because the monetary contribution of their

family was inadequate, or even worse, the family lives in poverty and has no income. The

Research Proposal: Social Inequality in Our Society Today 3

exception to that rule is that where the student has proven himself or herself to be of exceptional

intelligence. Not all families can generate the income necessary to place their child into a private

institution of higher learning where the educational standards are the highest. These institutions

are reserved for the entitled, privileged, and wealthy, and occasionally the exceptional. It is also

evident that systems which contain dead ends have been put in place and seem to be the

hindering factor of education opportunity equalizations, especially when the categorization of the

student takes place right at the beginning of their educational path as outlined previously.

The analysis on social inequality, especially applicable to educational poverty is that it is

a powerful force that shapes the educational success of children and the goal of attaining the

“American Dream”. Nevertheless, inequality is not predictable, neither is it a destiny (Wates,

2006). It is therefore also important to understand the role poverty and inequality plays so as to

shape opportunities for schools, families, and even society as a whole towards expanding on the

opportunities presently provided. The people within our society should devise the means to

ensure that all children are afforded an equal opportunity to excel in their education and realize

the same productive and fulfilling lives as the upper classes of society enjoy. Social inequality is

a problem that can be solved with governmental support, social realignment, and uniform

educational strategies. The implementation of such strategies will help eradicate social

inequality, especially educational inequality within our society.

Research Proposal: Social Inequality in Our Society Today 4

References

Slattery, M. (2003). Key Ideas in Sociology. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, Ltd

Abel, T. (2008). Cultural capital and social inequality in health. Journal of Epidemiology and

Waters, M. (2006). The Reshaping and Dissolution of Social Class in Advanced Society. Theory

and SocietyCommunity Health