Essay on Social Polarisation - 1496 Words

With reference to specific examples, critically discuss the contention that cities are becoming increasingly polarised in the contemporary world. Polarisation is a term that usually refers to ‘extreme of two extreme situations’. In this context, social polarisation is examined in detail. Social polarisation is an expression associated with the segregation within a society that may emerge from income inequality, real-estate fluctuations, economic displacements etc. and result in such differentiation that would consist of various social groups, from high-income to low-income (Moulaert, F. et al. (2003)). This essay will outline the two contrasting opinions that Sassen and Hamnett hold of the polarization thesis in the contemporary†¦show more content†¦In addition, there was a decline in middle-income, blue-collar jobs of the manufacturing sector. It can be argued that however, the growth of employment in the ‘clerks’ and ‘service workers and shop and market sales workers’ (see table 1) contradicts the theory. This occupational group mainly consists of middle-income occupation and t heir growth made up for the loss of those in the middle-income manufacturing sector. It can be concluded that although Cape Town has seen a marginally polarizing employment growth (Borel-Saladin, Crankshaw, 2009; 658) in the past twenty years, it has not seen an absolute decline in middle-income employment and therefore does not agree with the social polarizing thesis. Table 1 Sydney, Australia is the second case-study this essay will discuss, many of the scholars who analysed the social polarization thesis only looked at cities within the US or Europe, although helpful it can limit empirical discussion (Baum, 1997; 1882). Therefore looking at a global city out of this zone that also has strong economic links with Hong Kong and Singapore will allow the reader to understand the contention of polarisation in the contemporary world. It can be argued that professionalization is occurring, the growth of professionals make upShow MoreRelatedEssay about social polarisation1224 Words   |  5 PagesTutor: Date: Social Polarization in Latin America and the Carribean Introduction Social polarisation is the widening gap within a given society that emerges from income disparities within individuals causing various social groups, from high income to low income. It entails the expansion of jobs that require low skills while at the same time, jobs that require higher professionals and expertise still experience growth. There is a rising concern on issues of social polarisation and cohesion thatRead MoreAssess the View That Factors Within a School Are the Main Cause for Social Class Differences in Educational Achievement (20 Marks)1622 Words   |  7 Pagesevidence when studying counsellors. They found inconsistencies in the way in which students suitability for courses were assessed. The councellors said they judged students according to their ability. In practise however they judged them on the basis of social class or race. Middle class students were more likely to be placed on higher level courses and seen as suitable college material. Following on from this labelling theory, Rist did some research and found that teachers used a range of methods toRead More Marxian Theory versus Weberian Theory Essay727 Words   |  3 PagesMarxian Theory versus Weberian Theory Karl Marx and Max Weber both offer valid approaches to social class in modern capitalist society, though there are very different from each other. The capitalist society is a type of society in which the private ownership of the ‘means of production’ is the dominant form of providing the things needed to survive. What distinguishes capitalism from other types of society is the emphasis on the rights of property and the individual owner’s right to employRead MoreSocial Class And Social Inequality1269 Words   |  6 Pagesupon different evidence linking social class to where people live. Firstly, I will look at two approaches to determining social class, together with how class and social inequality are linked. Secondly, by reference to several key studies I will demonstrate that where people live is representative of their social class, and outline how disconnections are formed as a consequence. Finally, I will discuss how sporting opportunities are constrained to a person’s social class and place of residence. InRead MoreEssay on Voting Behavior in the United Kingdom1047 Words   |  5 Pages voting conservative could be the increase in the new working class. People in manual jobs but who are employed by large private companies and owning their own homes. Regional and Cultural differences are said to be an important social factor determining voting behaviour in the UK. Perhaps this is not as strong a correlation as it once was due to dealignment in other areas. Research carried out concerning voting behaviour suggests that there was an increasinglyRead Morefunctionalism3347 Words   |  14 Pageswithout which it would die. Social systems have basic needs for example members of society need to be socialised. Both society and organisms function to contribute to meeting the systems needs and thus ensure survival. For example the circulatory systems delivers oxygen to cells, similarly the economy in society helps meet the needs for food and shelter. Parsons argues the central question sociology tries to answer is how is social order possible? Parsons argues social order is achieved through theRead MoreBritish Society During 1951-19751790 Words   |  8 Pagesworld of changes, social and technological progression rather than standing statically. To see the differences created by social transformation, we need to look at the aspect of continuity and changes that distinguishes the two. In term of continuity, Britain in 1970s carries the legacy of increasing social mobility kicked off in the 1950s. It can be seen as a demographical change through a more geographical mobile system and migratory factors. One of the main features of social changes of BritainRead MoreKarl Marx : Foundations And Concepts Essay1868 Words   |  8 Pagesto just get by on, which in turn creating a better profit for themselves. In doing so, â€Å"The working class would get poorer (pauperisation); that the rich would get richer and that society would move to two different diametrically opposed areas (polarisation)†¦ And that a class struggle between the rich and the poor would lead to revolution in which the poor would remove the rich.† (Byrant, 2014) Marx hoped for the revolution and had hoped it would come to England and Germany but to â€Å"to Marx s despairRead MorePakulski and Waters2272 Words   |  10 Pagescapitalism. â€Å"Actual social developments have defined bo th predications of progressive polarisation and conflict and the emancipatory promise of social revolution† (Pakulski and Waters 1996:28). The perceived ‘death of class’ according to this chapter is due the economic reductionism of class theory in Political Economy, which was caused continual evolution of theories of class structure combined with by the capricious development of Liberal-Democratic societies. Together they have led to social theories, whichRead MoreMoral Exclusion And Dehumanization1782 Words   |  8 Pages‘Guardian’ article] will be assessed in relation to the Social Identity Approach (Tajfel Turner, 1979; Reicher, 2010), ‘moral exclusion’ and dehumanization (Opotow, 1990), the empathy-altruism hypothesis (Batson, 1991), as well as audience related concepts. The premise of the Social Identity Approach is that rather than recognising ourselves as individuals, we instead often perceive ourselves through group identity (Reicher, 2010, p.8). Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory both suggest