The Sociology of Inequality: Class, Race, Gender, and Power
Authors:
Journal Name: Social Science Reports
Abstract
Inequality is a central theme in sociology, shaping opportunities, life chances, and social relations across societies. This article examines the structural dimensions of inequality through the intersecting lenses of class, race, gender, and power. Drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theories, it highlights how economic stratification, racial hierarchies, and gendered norms perpetuate disparities in wealth, education, health, and political representation. The article further explores how power structures legitimize inequality and how social movements challenge these hierarchies. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of intersectional approaches to understanding inequality and addressing its root causes in pursuit of social justice.