The concept of inequality is an interesting concept to think about, because at face value, who wants inequality. I would go out on a limb and say most people strive for equality and would chose that over inequality. With this sentiment, you would think I fall more on the radical side of Lenski’s argument. However, I find myself thinking about the conservative thesis regarding social inequality because in reality, their will never be complete equality among everyone. In some aspect, someone will fall more into inequality whether that be in work, school, or at home. I do believe inequality is necessary is some aspect because it does push individuals to work harder. However, who chooses who’s equal and who belongs to the inequality group.
This is why I struggle with this concept, because who am I to say inequality is good and improves the world, if I’m not sitting on the side of inequality. Inequality is always beneficial for the ones it doesn’t effect, so who’s to say that it’s a good thing. I do believe that inequality is inevitable, I think it’s human nature that someone will eventually be considered inequal. The same argument that inequality pushes people to work harder can also say that it pushes people to give up. If an individual knows they clearly are unequal to others, that might push them to give up instead of pushing forth and trying harder. I do believe that regarding equality, we should have equality of opportunities rather than equality of outcomes because providing an equal opportunity pushes people into striving to do their best.
If we have equal outcomes, people would try less because they know we are all going to have the same outcome. With equal opportunities, you are providing everyone with the same opportunity which is what I think matters, because everyone is starting off on the same playing field. It’s what you do with that opportunity that matters and therefore that outcome will be reflective of what you did with that equal opportunity. The concept of inequality is so interesting to me because everyone can put their argument on whether it serves a purpose or not, however would that individual who agrees with inequality want to be the one it affects. It’s a complex discussion because social inequality can be horrible when it targets people based on class, sex, race, etc. Ater writing through my thoughts, I feel myself leaning towards the radical side of Lenski’s argument because who’s to say who is inequal and who is equal. The concept of inequality can target people and make them feel less then. I’m self-aware enough to know that total, complete equality will never come true. However, we shouldn’t then believe that inequality is the answer.
