Sample Answer
Ethnic Differences, Social Stratification, and Inequality
Introduction
Ethnic differences have long been a source of social stratification in societies across the world. Stratification refers to the structured ranking of individuals and groups, resulting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and power. When ethnicity becomes a central axis of this ranking system, it often produces and perpetuates systemic social inequality. This essay considers the extent to which ethnic differences create stratified social hierarchies, drawing on theoretical perspectives and empirical examples from different contexts.
Ethnic Stratification and Structural Inequality
Social stratification on the basis of ethnicity is often embedded within institutional structures such as the labour market, education, housing, and the criminal justice system. For example, in the UK and US, ethnic minorities frequently face disproportionate levels of unemployment, lower wages, and reduced access to high-status occupations compared to the majority ethnic population. This demonstrates how stratification is not merely about cultural differences but about material inequalities reinforced by systemic barriers.
Theoretical Perspectives
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Weberian theory emphasises how ethnic stratification arises through the interplay of class, status, and power. Ethnic minorities often face "status disadvantage," meaning they are socially devalued regardless of their economic position, which perpetuates inequality.
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Marxist approaches highlight the role of capitalism in exploiting ethnic divisions. Employers may use ethnic differences to divide the working class, preventing collective solidarity and maintaining economic inequality.
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Critical race theory argues that racism is not an aberration but an ordinary feature of social structures. Ethnic stratification is therefore institutionalised, making inequality self-reinforcing across generations.
Examples of Ethnic Stratification
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In the United States, African Americans and Hispanic communities are overrepresented in low-income groups, face disproportionate rates of incarceration, and are often excluded from wealth accumulation through discriminatory housing policies (e.g., redlining).
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In South Africa, apartheid legally entrenched ethnic stratification, and even decades after its abolition, the Black majority continues to experience socioeconomic disadvantages compared to the white minority.
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In the UK, ethnic minority groups such as Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities experience higher rates of poverty and educational disadvantage, illustrating how ethnic stratification translates into long-term inequality.
The Perpetuation of Inequality
Ethnic differences become entrenched in inequality through cultural stereotypes, institutional bias, and structural barriers. For instance, discriminatory recruitment practices and unequal school funding ensure that ethnic minorities remain overrepresented in lower socioeconomic strata. Intergenerational disadvantage further perpetuates inequality, as limited access to wealth, education, and political power restricts social mobility.
