Inequalities, Both Domestic and Global, Illuminate the...

2. Inequalities, both domestic and global, illuminate the inevitability and functionality of stratification. Discuss. The Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology defines inequality as ‘the unequal distribution of opportunities, rewards, and power among and between individuals, households and groups’(1). It goes on to say that ‘the subfield of social stratification has as its main task the description and analysis of inequalities, or the makeup of the stratification system of any given society’.(1) From this one definition, we can already begin to see the strong links that lie between inequalities and social stratification. As we delve deeper into the topics, we can begin to see both the inevitability and the functionality of stratification†¦show more content†¦In the Central African Republic, the infant mortality rate is 107 per 1,000(6). That means that an infant born in Norway has a 10 per cent higher chance of survival than an infant born in the Central African Republic. Even in the first few days after birth, inequalities exist between the lives of infants born in d eveloped countries and the lives of infants born in underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the life expectancy at birth of a child born in Norway is 81.1 (5) years, whereas in the Central African Republic, the life expectancy at birth is 48.4 years (5). Again, inequalities exist between the infants born in developed countries and the infants born in developed countries. Although the Central African Republic has a high rate of infant mortality as well as a high death rate - 17.6 per 1,000 in the years 2005-2010(7), it also has a very high birth rate - 35.6 per 1,000 in the years 2005-2010 (8). This has lead to a very high population, which puts a huge strain on the resources of the country. Norway on the other hand, has a much steadier population, with a low birth rate - 12.6 per 1,000 in the years 2005-2010 (8) - but also a low death rate - 8.8 per 1,000 in the years 2005-2010 (7). The population is controlled and their are enough resources to serve the entire population. It is for this reason that Norwegians generally receive an average of 12.6 years of schooling (5). Contrast this with the Central African Republic, where citizens there