Please share your thoughts on whether you agree with Wilkinson’s perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and societal well-being. Additionally, consider how this topic connects with our exploration of Durkheim’s anomie theory. How might economic inequality exacerbate feelings of normlessness and drive criminal behavior, as Durkheim and Merton suggest? Let’s engage in a meaningful discussion on this important topic.
Please leave at least three comments. One is your original contribution. And two comments are you replies to your classmates. Deadline: 10/29/23, 11:59 pm.
I agree with Wilkinsons perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and our social well-being because he states that higher levels of income inequality lead to health and social issues such as crime, violence, and mental health problems. This relates to Durkheim’s anomie theory because he believed that major change increased suicide rates. Durkheim’s concept of “anomie” refers to a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms and values within a society. He stated that people who feel disconnected from the larger community or there was a lack of clear social norms and expectations were more likely to commit crimes. Just like in the TED talk Salil Dudani explained how inequality in our justice system affects our society, Most people who are in jail are people who can’t afford to bail which leads them to commit crimes or stay in jail or even plead guilty in order to be liberated. This economic inequality can exacerbate feelings of normlessness and drive criminal behavior because according to Merton’s Strain Theory, People who deal with blocked opportunities may adapt in various ways, one of which is engaging in criminal behavior. Also as I said earlier people also face unfairness in the system and if they think they are victims of this can turn to criminal acts as a way to address the problem. There are many stressors that increase and lead people to cope with crime.
Dear Andi, I also agree with you that Wilkinson’s perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and our social well-being is correct. I like how you broke down Durkheim’s anomie theory and explained what it was. I like how you compared it to the TED TALK and how he explained how inequality in our justice system affects our society. Nice use of vocab: exacerbate, liberated, and normlessness. Great job!
Hi everyone,
Perceived injustice in the system, which makes people feel like victims, may also incite criminal activity as a means of resolving grievances. This is consistent with the stresses that economic disparity can cause, which may lead individuals to turn to illegal means of coping. Your ideas combine a number of sociological ideas to highlight the complex effects of economic disparity on society’s well-being and how it relates to criminal activity. It displays a thorough comprehension of the ways in which individual behaviors within the social framework can be impacted by economic inequities.
To Andi***
Hi andi,
I completely agree with your analysis of Wilkinson’s perspective on economic inequality and its profound effects on our social well-being. The connections you drew between income inequality and health, crime, violence, and mental health problems highlight the multifaceted impact of economic disparities on society. Your link to Durkheim’s anomie theory provides a solid theoretical framework for understanding how economic inequality can lead to a breakdown of social norms. The idea that major changes, such as significant income disparities, can increase crime rates resonates well with Durkheim’s concept of “anomie.” It’s fascinating how feelings of disconnection from the larger community or a lack of clear social norms can contribute to criminal behavior, as Durkheim posited. Moreover, your reference to Salil Dudani’s TED talk adds a contemporary perspective to the discussion. The insight into how economic inequality in the justice system influences criminal behavior, particularly concerning the inability to afford bail, is a stark example of how systemic disparities can lead individuals down a path of crime.
Economic inequality has affected both sides of the spectrum of poor and rich. Wilkerson reported that countries that were economically equal had a better quality of life given the fact the social status didn’t fluctuate or decrease. Everyone has the opportunity to attain a livable income and not feel as if they were living in poverty. In countries like Japan, Norway, and Denmark, there isn’t a huge income gap, if at all, for people to feel disassociated within that society. There isn’t a battle between the rich and poor where the rich are buying all the land, while the poor are setting up tents along the streets. However, in the income inequality graph that Wilkerson presented, the USA had the highest income gap compared to other countries. New York to be specific is notoriously known for being the melting pot for people of all walks of life. Within this city, the income gap is extreme. In boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan, on one street there are homes for millions, including houses, condos, and luxury apartments. If not the next block, then a few blocks away, there’s low-income housing. The less fortunate people in this city are consistently reminded of how disadvantaged they are in this city. Therefore crime is sure to take place. People will steal for survival or simply for the need to have more.
In Durkheim’s anomie theory, capitalism during his time has taken a toll on people’s mental health resulting in suicide, but I believe these modern times, it’s different. Industrialized cities impacted the common earner, forcing people to go into poverty while the rich got richer. Ultimately, some of those rich people became a victim of their wealth. They had no guidance or control, considering they had the freedom to live at their own will. The lack of community and distant social class removed them from normal living. Individualism played a key role where all choices were of your own, good or bad it’s your responsibility.
I will mention, capitalism in the USA in its early years isn’t the same as today. The wealth gap has expanded to a point where it is recommended to become a capitalist. The agenda is to now own a business or buy property and flip it. There apps where they can rent out property, such as homes, cars or maybe yourself. It’s becoming the norm that having a single source of income is no longer acceptable for a good quality of life. The status quo to attain more is what stands out in our society. It seems $100k+ is the base for decent living here in NYC. Within these individual journeys of capitalist endeavors, I believe capitalists are no longer at the mercy of their wealth. As I stated before, it’s the norm to gain more money and disassociate with poverty, which is growing at a rapid rate.
Dear Courtney, well done! Written well and to the point. 10/10. I like you mentioned capitalism. This left me speechless as this was so good that the whole class must see this amazing work.
Hi Courtney,
The points you’ve raised regarding economic inequality, its impact on society, and the shift in capitalist dynamics over time are thought-provoking. It’s evident that disparities in wealth distribution, particularly in cities like New York, create stark contrasts in living standards and contribute to social issues like crime. The transformation of capitalism, from its earlier form to the contemporary structure emphasizing ownership and continuous wealth accumulation, is a significant observation. The pursuit of multiple income streams has indeed become a norm, and the threshold for a “decent living” is rising, especially in expensive cities like New York.
Given these observations, how do you think society can address these growing disparities in wealth and opportunities to mitigate the widening gap between the rich and the poor? Furthermore, how can the concept of capitalism be reshaped to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth without stifling individual enterprise and innovation?
Hello Courtney, I agree with the examples you provided this was a well-developed paragraph, I love the fact that you incorporated our city being one of the richest and poorest and how we have a huge income gap. This is so true and inequality can result in crime happening since the poor feel left out and cope with different ways like stealing. Thanks for sharing this was a great response.
Great work Courtney,
Your post explains this topic well. Your connection to the state of NY affairs in this unit was informative. I agree with your sentence on the anomie theory and how capitalism takes a toll on people’s mental health. I look forward to your next post.
hey Courtney , I definitely agree with you capitalism in America has definitely changed and evolved , everyone wants to acquire more money.
I agree with Wilkinson’s perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and social well-being because he suggests that the primary factor influencing population health is social cohesiveness rather than governmental change. Based on historical evidence, class formation may have a role in determining social cohesiveness gains as well as decreases in social inequality. Status insecurity and competition are exacerbated by inequality. It exacerbates worry about how we are perceived and assessed, including whether we are intriguing or uninteresting, handsome or ugly, and about our self-worth. When people talk about their traits and interests depending on what they believe others would connect with, they are engaging in an interpersonal form of impression management. During business meetings and employment interviews, you can utilize impression management to persuade people of your qualifications and to advance favorable transactions. In addition, this topic connects with our exploration of Durkheim’s anomie theory because It has been discovered that societal disparity weakens general social cohesiveness and negatively impacts the emotional and physical well-being of its members. Criminal activity was more common among those who felt cut off from society at large or who didn’t know what the societal standards and expectations were. This implies that social inequality feeds the idea that things are falling apart (anomie) and that someone strong is needed to bring things back to normal—even if that someone is prepared to go against democratic principles. Economic inequality can exacerbate feelings of normlessness and drive criminal behavior, as Durkheim and Merton suggest. Deviance (and consequently crime) was far more frequent when people were not adequately socialized into the shared norms and values of society, or when society was changing so quickly that it was unclear what the shared norms and values were. Violence may be more likely in situations where there is separation, childbirth, or ignorance. A child is more likely to commit a crime if they are not taught financial literacy as they grow up. They observe their parents stealing and assume it’s usual. Crime and poverty are positively correlated as well. The degree of deprivation among the poor rises with the width of the poverty gap (a measure of poverty) and the severity index, which in turn increases crime.
Hi Alyssa,
I appreciate your thoughtful reflection on Wilkinson’s perspective on economic inequality and its impact on social well-being. Your emphasis on social cohesiveness as a key factor influencing population health rather than governmental change adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion. The historical lens through which you analyze class formation and its role in determining social cohesiveness provides a nuanced understanding of how societal structures have shaped our perceptions and interactions. The insight into how inequality exacerbates status insecurity and competition is particularly noteworthy. It resonates with the idea that economic disparities can intensify concerns about self-worth and contribute to impression management in various social settings.
Hi everyone,
Wilkinson’s theory, which focused on the correlation between economic inequality and societal well-being, held that societies with higher levels of inequality generally have lower levels of well-being overall. He makes the socioeconomic case that more inequality can cause a number of social problems, such as worse health outcomes, a decline in social trust, an increase in crime, and a general decline in the population’s level of happiness and well-being. This is a fascinating viewpoint backed up by real data from many nations and communities. Absolutely, the interconnectedness between economic inequality, societal well-being, and its impact on fostering feelings of normlessness aligns with both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. Addressing economic inequality is pivotal for the creation of a more cohesive and just society. Reducing economic inequality not only holds the potential to improve individual well-being but also to strengthen the social fabric. It can pave the way for a more inclusive society where opportunities are more equally distributed, providing individuals with a fairer chance to pursue their goals through legitimate means. This can help alleviate the strains identified by both Durkheim and Merton, consequently reducing the likelihood of resorting to criminal behavior as a means of achieving success or addressing feelings of deprivation and frustration. Moreover, as economic inequality narrows, the social solidarity and trust among individuals within a society often improve. This sense of togetherness and shared values can reinforce social norms and informal controls, thereby reducing the propensity for criminal activities. When people feel more included and perceive a clearer pathway to achieving their aspirations, the need for deviant behavior as an alternative means to success diminishes.
Efforts to ameliorate economic disparities can encompass various strategies, including equitable access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and fair wealth distribution policies. By implementing such measures, societies can progress towards a more equitable state, fostering a healthier social environment that aligns more closely with the shared societal values and norms. In essence, addressing economic inequality is not solely an economic or political endeavor. it’s a societal imperative. Its reduction can significantly contribute to the well-being and stability of a society, diminishing the strains that lead individuals to deviate from social norms and potentially engage in criminal behavior.
Hi Alexis, I’m 100% agree with you, and I liked when you said “This can help alleviate the strains identified by both Durkheim and Merton, consequently reducing the likelihood of resorting to criminal behavior as a means of achieving success or addressing feelings of deprivation and frustration.” Because in my opinion it’s true.
Hello Alexis great response I also agree with you. I like how you pointed out what economic inequality can cause such as a person well well-being leading to crime as a coping method. You also had a solution which was addressing the problem. I think you are right if this was addressed I could imagine the common stress that people faced going away.
Addressing economic inequality is crucial for the creation of a more cohesive and just society. It stands to reason that reducing economic inequality not only has the potential to improve individual well-being but also to strengthen the social fabric. Strategies for ameliorating economic disparities can include equitable access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and fair wealth distribution policies. By implementing such measures, societies can progress towards a more equitable state, fostering a healthier social environment that aligns more closely with shared societal values and norms. Reducing economic inequality can help alleviate the strains identified by both Durkheim and Merton, ultimately reducing the likelihood of resorting to criminal behavior as a means of achieving success or addressing feelings of deprivation and frustration. Moreover, as economic inequality narrows, the social solidarity and trust among individuals within a society often improve – this sense of togetherness and shared values can reinforce social norms and informal controls, thereby reducing the propensity for criminal activities. Addressing economic inequality is not solely an economic or political endeavor; it is a societal imperative. Its reduction can significantly contribute to the well-being and stability of a society, diminishing the strains that lead individuals to deviate from social norms and potentially engage in criminal behavior. In essence, it is a critical step towards creating a more cohesive and just society, where opportunities are more equally distributed and individuals have a fairer chance to pursue their goals through legitimate means.
I agree, addressing economic inequality can create a more stable society for everyone.
Wilkinson’s perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and societal well-being. For example, in the United States, we live in a capitalist society; the values weighed against each other are typically material. Wilkinson speaks on relative income as one of those weighing factors. Relative income is the income compared to the income in the same society. Society’s values can be determined by how they rank each other by material gains. There has to be a system of order when there are groups of people in different groups. Groups are formed by their levels of wealth and the gains of each individual with different levels of access. Groups at the bottom of that table can face social restrictions leading to inequality. The wealth gap within our society is extremely high; you can attribute the structure to income. To survive in some societies, you must be able to provide labor if you have less access to wealth
Durkheim anomie theory connects to economic inequality and how it may lead to criminal or deviant behavior. Individuals who feel disconnected from their society may engage in deviant behavior. In crime statistics, communities that have lower median income compared to higher median income may see a difference in crime reported. Anomie theory is influential in understanding social factors contributing to deviance: Merton and Durkheim’s research on how economic inequality can exacerbate feelings of normlessness and drive criminal behavior. Economic inequality can lead to different social groups forming because they have similar values to the societal norm.
Economic inequality is very harmful to societies because different communities have different incomes based on the type of groups that live there. Which means some neighborhoods have better resources like supermarkets, hospitals, housing and etc. Other neighborhoods “poorer areas” don’t really have better resources and they just work with what they have. Especially in New York City you can tell a significant difference when you travel to different areas. Honestly communities that consist of minorities that area would not be in the best condition and New York isn’t interested into making these regions any better. Which is sad because in the video, Wilkinson shows a line graph of mental illness and USA has the highest rate which relates to our poor healthcare. Housing is another big struggle in the US because rent has become incredibly higher which causes a lot of homeless people on the streets. Like here in New York certain places it would be 2-5k for a studio apartment which is unrealistic for most people to pay. Food is another issue a lot of places don’t have the best supermarkets or restaurants and it’ll be a lot of fast food places on every block which is extremely unhealthy which also ties in with the bad healthcare and serious mental health issues. Environment just plays a big role in mental health seeing homeless people or your community not look decent can affect your mood and how you feel. Which is why a lot of people move out to another state or country because of what they see most of their life and they don’t want to live in a certain place anymore it gets overwhelming for some people.
I agree with Wilkinsons perspective and how he thinks that when some people have a lot of money and others don’t, it can cause many problems in our society. His research, which he talked about in “The Spirit Level,” shows that economic inequality makes society worse in many ways, like making people less healthy and increasing crime. Durkheim talked about something similar, called “anomie.” He said that when people don’t have the same chances, they can feel lost and not know what’s right or wrong. This can make them do bad things. To fix this, we need to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to do well. It’s not just about being fair, it’s about making sure people are happy and not doing bad things. Wilkinson’s research and Durkheim’s theories show us that a fair and equal society is not only about money but also about well-being and safety for all. By focusing on economic inequality and providing opportunities for everyone to succeed, we can create a more balanced society where people feel supported and are less likely to turn to criminal behavior.
I agree with Wilkinson’s perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and societal well being because in the video it can be seen that the wealthier you are the longer of an life expectancy you can have while the poorer you are the shorter of an life expectancy you may have. This in itself shows that those who may nat have the financial means would not live longer than someone that does and it shows how economic inequality had a direct correlation within societal well being. Durkheim Anomie theory connects to this economic inequality and how it can lead to deviant criminal behavoir because the people who may not be as financially inclined may feel different to those who are and they might have to do certain deviant things in order to survive than someone who has the money.
Regarding whether economic disparity is bad for society, I tend to agree with Wilkinson’s interpretation as presented in his book “The Spirit Level.” Wilkinson contends that a number of societal issues, including shorter life expectancies, higher rates of mental illness, and higher crime rates, are linked to rising economic inequality. I find it conceivable that there is a relationship between economic disparity and societal well-being. A large disparity in wealth between the rich and the poor can give rise to a number of social problems. For example, Wilkinson contends that social comparison and status anxiety are exacerbated by inequality and that these conditions can be detrimental to mental health. Furthermore, the unequal allocation of resources may prevent some population segments from accessing healthcare and education, thereby sustaining socioeconomic inequities. This conversation relates to Durkheim’s anomie theory, which investigates how social norms break down and how a society feels when it has no norms. These emotions can be made worse by economic disparity, which fosters a sense of unfairness and injustice. People who believe that the system is biased against them could feel cut off from society’s standards and ideals. Merton and Durkheim concur that anomie may be the motivation behind criminal activity. Economic disparity may play a role in this by fostering an atmosphere in which some people, feeling left out and unwelcome in mainstream settings, choose unconventional routes in an effort to succeed or get acceptance from society. When there are no legal paths to upward mobility, people may turn to illegal activity as a substitute for legal means of accomplishing their objectives.
In conclusion, I agree with Wilkinson’s viewpoint and find the argument linking economic disparity to societal suffering to be persuasive. The insights from Durkheim’s anomie theory, which explains how economic inequality may develop emotions of normlessness and contribute to criminal behavior in society, further corroborate this connection.
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