SOCI 3410 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Social Inequality, Proletariat, Bourgeoisie
Document Summary
I think it is interesting that although equality came first social inequality continues to be a part of our society and is more universal than social equality. The reading discusses that the gap between rich and poor is receding and that all cultures contain materials and symbols that differentiate high and popular culture. What i found interesting was that for a white t-shirt, depending on the brand, ideologies, or stigmas attached the price is compromised. For example if it was from ralph lauren the shirt would be ranging from 20-50 dollars while it would be 5 dollars from walmart. The price difference depending on a logo contributes to social inequality because it reinforces the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. There are standards even within music that differentiate between classes and races. Any music produced by a black individual was considered to be along the lines of popular culture and something that is not enjoyed by upper classes.
