Week 9 blog - "Stratification" / posted by So Jeong Yeon (연소정)

1. Introduction

 

 

In this week’s lecture, we learned "Stratification." About it, we studied gini coefficient of inequality with which we can measure the degree of income and wealth stratification in society. And then, we compared absolute poverty and relative poverty. In class, we also discussed some questions about inequality phenomenon and the function of stratification.

 

 

2. My answer of the question

 

Q1. Should Korean government do more to reduce poverty and promote equality?

 

    

http://www.shutterstock.com/

I think Korean government tries to reduce poverty and promote equality. For example, Korean government gives a subsidy to low-income workers and a supplementary living allowance to a child head of household. In doing so, Korean officials try to bridge the gap between the rich and poor. Their efforts help to relieve absolute poverty. However, relative inequality is still definitely a problem. So Korean government need to do more to reduce poverty by focusing on classes who live in relative poverty.

 

 

 

 

Q2. (A video for discussion) What is the main idea of the video?

 

     

economic inequality

http://blogforarizona.net/

The video is so interesting. What is refreshing is the argument of speaker.

He said that economic inequality become worse. If we do not solve the problem,

 many middle-class and low-income group may rise in rebellion against the high class. He said about the new kind of system, new capitalism. He argued the solution lies in the hands of a large number of people who are middle class, not a few people who are high class. In general, many people think that high class should solve the economic inequality and lead people. But the speaker said that high class only have to support middle class so that they can flourish. The rich and presidents of big enterprises should pay workers enough money. The prosperity of middle class is the leading force of reducing poverty and solving inequality.