There are a number of possible reasons for inequality, including differences in education, experience, skills, and talent. Other reasons could include discrimination based on gender, race, or religion), socio-economic factors (income level, wealth distribution), and geography (location). Conflict theory is one of the most powerful explanations for inequality. It shows that inequality is not simply a result of economic forces but is created and maintained through social interaction (Mooney et al., 2021). It reveals how those in power use their resources to maintain their position while those without power are forced to compete for resources. This leads to an unequal distribution of resources, which creates further conflict, and the result is a continuous cycle of inequality.
One of the most common myths is that the United States (US) is a meritocracy, where anyone can succeed if they maintain industriousness. It is true that there are a number of structural barriers to success that prevent people from rising up the social ladder. These barriers include negative things like racism, sexism, and classism. Poverty can be defined as a lack of resources (financial, social, material) necessary to meet basic needs or fulfill certain minimum standards (Mooney et al., 2021). I think the demographics for the poor are worsening because there is an increase in poverty and a decrease in social mobility (Mooney et al., 2021). It is a lack of education, job opportunities, racism, and discrimination, that causes poverty in the United States. The poor can be those who lack opportunities or choices, leading to a lack of control over their own lives.
I do believe that we are losing our middle-class structure. This is important to the US because it has always been a country that prides itself on social mobility, the idea that every individual can achieve success through hard work. But if we lose our middle-class structure, then social mobility will become increasingly difficult, and poverty will continue to be a big problem (Mooney et al., 2021). Far from that, there are definitely comparisons that can be drawn on a global level when it comes to stratification. One of the biggest ways that global stratification affects US stratification is through the economy. For example, if there is a recession in Europe, this could lead to a decrease in demand for US exports, which would then negatively impact our own economy.
Reference
Mooney, L. A., Clever, M., & Van Willigen, M. (2021). Understanding social problems. Cengage learning.