A Theoretical Review Of Global Stratification - 913 Words

Molly Hartlage Professor Michelle Crist Sociology 1010, Introduction to Sociology 11 December 2015 A Theoretical Review of Global Stratification Global stratification is defined as social inequality throughout the world. It is an unequal distribution of wealth and poverty, of resources and opportunities. Global stratification is much greater than social stratification in the United States or in any single nation and continues to increase. The poorest people in the United States have a much higher quality of life than most other people in the world. As a result of this global inequality, countries are classified into three categories, high-income, middle-income, and low-income, based on per capita gross national income and overall†¦show more content†¦Because developing countries are less prepared and often located in tropical regions, these poor countries are hit hard by climate change in the form of droughts, hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. Also, poor, developing countries do not have the means to invest in modern energy. In the article, â€Å"A Paris Climate D eal Must Address Global Inequality,† Singh argues that developed countries must take responsibility for their contribution to climate change and pledge to do more to improve the conditions. She says that high-income countries not only have the finances to support a transition to clean energy, but also a moral and legal obligation to fix the problem they have created (Singh 1-5). In the context of globalization, or interaction between people, companies, and governments of different countries driven by international trade, global inequality matters because it parallels the asymmetrical globalization that limits poor countries. This asymmetry only increases the gap between rich and poor countries. Low-income countries have little opportunity to improve because they have inadequate means and opportunities. Inequality affects both economic and social growth and poverty. For low-income countries, the inequality is reflected in poor social and civic institutions. These incapable inst itutions, in turn, do little to improve conditions. Global market failures and