Relationship of Social Stratification and Racial Inequality - Essay Example

0 Introduction Social stratification pertains to the ranking of individuals or group of individuals in a given society (Kerbo 228). The article written by Dixon showed that social stratification is correlated with racial inequality. It tackles on how individual’s, especially blacks, right to vote was denied during the 2000 general election in Florida (Dixon 319). It raised the issue of racial bias as statistical analysis revealed that significantly higher number of ballots from black voters was not counted in Florida (Rich 383). This paper sought to offer insights about the relationship of social stratification and racial inequality. This is undertaken through presenting a summary and analysis of Dixon’s article. Lastly, the paper discusses the relationship of stratification and racial inequality according to Functionalist and Conflict perspectives. 2.0 Summary and Analysis of Dixon’s Article Dixon traced the origin of this racial discrimination between the 1890’s and 1910. Southern states imposed laws which necessitate poll taxes, residency requirements, and literacy requirements. Discrimination against individuals who are black arose when white officials offered whites exemption from the aforementioned requirements (Dixon 312). These restrictions unsurprisingly led to low registration rates among blacks. The “Voting Rights Act of 1965” ended poll taxes and literacy tests. However, it failed to address the incidents of discrimination highlighted in the past (Dixon 315). Thus, the “National Voter Registration Act of 1993” was drafted to 1) increase those eligible individuals who register to exercise their right of suffrage in the federal election, 2) ensure that current and accurate voter registration roll was maintained in uniform nondiscriminatory fashion to protect the electoral process’ integrity, and 3) improve participation of eligible individuals in the federal election (Dixon 316). Discrimination among racial minorities is implicitly manifested during the 2000 general election in Florida. Inactive-list voters were denied of the right to vote even after signing the affidavit. Election officials did not allow individuals who moved in another county to vote, as well as failed to help voters in locating their polling place. These issues emerged during the 2000 election as officials in Florida failed to pass legislation that implements the list cleaning of NVRA till 1998 (Dixon 314). Similar issue arose during the 2004 election in Cleveland wherein black voters suffered from long lines at the polling places, while the white voters benefited from shorter waits and voting machines. Meanwhile, in 2000, some voters complained that they were intimidated and told that they were not eligible to vote beforehand (Sabato and Ernst 484). Racial minorities, especially blacks, were likely to transfer from one place to another to find employment opportunities. In addition, they may be more likely to be subjected to legal actions compared to whites due to racial discrimination. Thus, they became subject to “purging” during the 2000 general election in Florida. The study conducted by Ochs found that felon disenfranchisement laws negatively affect black citizens (82). It weakens the power of the minority voters. Dixon proposed that same-day registration, central voter databases, and provisional ballots will increase voter turnout among blacks (321). The current technology can facilitate same-day registration, which ensures that black voter registration matches black voter turn-out. Meanwhile, central voter databases have potential in making registration easier, abolishing re-registration for the cross-county moves, and shortening the voter registration deadline. Lastly, provisional ballots allow black voters to cast their votes even if their eligibility status is not yet confirmed (Dixon 322). 3.0 Sociological Perspectives 3.1 Functionalist Perspective Functionalist perspective considers the society “as a system of institution organized to meet society’s needs.” It views inequality as essential in the society as it impels individuals to fill various positions in the society required for survival of the whole. Functionalist perspective supports the notion that some positions in the society require talent, education, and skill (Anderson and Taylor 217). Racial minorities-especially blacks- were negatively affected by the prevailing notion that they were an inferior race. They were viewed as illiterate, uneducated, and highly ineligible to run in the office and exercise their right to vote (Anderson and Taylor 217). According to Functionalist perspective, this racial inequality functions for the benefit of the society. It ensures that individuals who are educated and literate are elected and get to determine who gets elected. This racial inequality is clearly manifested at the 2000 Florida general election (Anderson and Taylor 217). Supporters of functionalist perspective consider social stratification as inevitable and desirable. Social stratification is deemed as desirable because it meets the functional prerequisites in a given society through ensuring that eligible individuals are allocated to appropriate occupational roles. In addition, it ensures that these individuals will effectively perform their roles, which will consequently contribute to social and economic well-being of the members of the society regardless of their position in the system of the social stratification (“The Functionalist”). 3.2 Conflict Perspective Unlike the Functionalist perspective, Conflict perspective considers society as held together by coercion and conflict. Supporters of conflict perspective regard blocked opportunity and class conflict as the basis of social stratification. It supports the premise that society operates in an environment that fosters competition of interest from different groups (Anderson and Taylor 219). However, some groups possess more power compared to others as exhibited by the privileges and opportunities received by whites in the U.S. In addition, conflict perspective reiterated that groups compete for societal advantage and societal resources. Supporters of conflict perspective argued that those groups who possess more resources in the society consequently hold power over other groups (Anderson and Taylor 219). This explains why discriminatory practices against black voters still exist in the U.S. The dominant group-the whites- attempts to influence and control the election process to pursue their interest and maintain their advantages. In addition, the dominant group makes their privileges seem fair and legitimate through shaping societal beliefs (Anderson and Taylor 219). 4.0 Conclusion Review of available literature showed that social stratification is correlated with racial inequality. This racial inequality is manifested throughout the U.S. history and during the 2000 general election in Florida. However, Functionalist perspective contends that racial inequality is necessary for the benefit of the society as a whole. Meanwhile, Conflict perspective offered a much more logical and acceptable explanation on the relationship between social stratification and racial inequality. This perspective explains that groups struggle to compete for social advantage and resources. The group who possesses more resources attempts to keep their position and advantages through controlling the other group. Works Cited Anderson, Margaret, and Howard Taylor. Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society. USA: Cengage Learning, 2005. Print. Dixon, Monique. “Minority Disenfranchisement during the 2000 General Election: A Blast from the Past or A Blueprint for Freedom.” Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review 11.311 (2002): 311-324. Print. “The Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification.” Earlham Sociology Pages. Earlham Sociology Pages, 23 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . Kerbo, Harold. “Social Stratification.” SAGE. SAGE, 18 Oct. 2006. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . Ochs, Holona Leanne. “‘Colorblind’ Policy in Black and White: Racial Consequences of Disenfranchisement Policy.” Policy Studies Journal 34.1 (2001): 81+. Print. Rich, Wilbur C. African American Perspectives on Political Science. USA: Temple University, 2007. Print. Sabato, Larry and Howard Ernsts. Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections. USA: Inforbase, 2006. Print. Read More