Economic and Social Inequality in the United States and the Use of Urban Sociology in the Effectively Tackling of these Challenges - Essay Example

Economic and Social Inequality in the United States and the Use of Urban Sociology in the Effectively Tackling of these Challenges The general rate of inequality in the United States has been noted to be gradually increasing at an alarming rate. This increase in inequality is perceived to mainly be driven by a number of various factors such as government policies on taxes and deregulation and political choices that are inherently different from those policies and choices adopted by other countries.

While economic inequality is seen to play a critical role in the prohibition of people from being able to obtain the same quality of health care or appropriate housing, social inequality is seen to largely exist as a result of lack of adequate financial resources. As such, although economic and social inequalities fundamentally have a number of key differences between them, it is my wish however to study the two concurrently as there exists a close link between them. For there to be social development across the US, it is my belief that the government must develop pertinent public policies designed to try and arrest the rampant wealth inequality in the country as well as promote a more equitable distribution of the various benefits of economic growth.

By diligently studying the concentration courses, I will be assured of acquiring a better understanding of the general depth and state of economic and social inequalities in the United States. According to Jayapalan (59), most economic issues in the urban areas emanate from social issues. At the same time, most social issues also emanate from the problems found in the urban areas. For instance, low employment rates can lead to the development of certain social issues and social structures such as development of informal or low quality residential areas.

In turn, these areas are more likely to be affected by social issues such as insecurity, poor drainage and poor health issues. Urban sociology is therefore a very important course for me as a student of political economy because it will help me in understanding how social structures develop naturally and how they can be assessed and solved. By studying this course, I will be able to look at the various issues which affect the social structures of an urban community and how these factors affect the economy of the place.

Issues such as livelihood and the provision of social services in the urban areas will be best understood by looking at these issues can be well understood. By combining Soc. 136—Urban Sociology with the other courses such as Public Policy 190: Poverty and Inequality, Sociology 130AC: Social Inequalities: American Cultures and International and Area Studies 150: Poverty and Social policy, it will be possible to understand how social issues in urban areas can be solved and how economic advantage can be achieved through the development of policies which will solve the social issues in such cities.

To successfully achieve these objectives, I will need to take Sociology 130AC: Social Inequalities: American Cultures- the course will help me gain a deeper perspective into the historical causes as well as consequences of inequality in the United States. The various concepts and theories will prove to be a much needed foundation that will help me in better understanding the origins of both some of the urban economic problems as well as inequality problems in the country with special emphasis on some key factor such as social class, gender, ethnicity and race.

A class in International and Area Studies 150: Poverty and Social policy, will help in informing me on exactly how poverty is dealt with not only in the US, but also in some of the richer European member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The unit will help in sharpening my grasp on the theories that shape the measure and understanding of poverty as well as help me in considering some of the possible explanations for the persistence of poverty. Taking a class in Public Policy 190: Poverty and Inequality will serve to help me further my knowledge on poverty and inequality by equipping me with knowledge and understanding on the current issues and problems affecting the two and especially so in relation to the field of public policy.

Undertaking a careful study of this course and the other three courses will help me in achieving my driving objective of better understanding the urban economic problems affecting us, their influence on poverty and inequality, the history and causes of poverty and inequality in the country as well as the government measures and policies that have been developed to help in dealing with these problems.Works CitedJayapalan, Nelson. Urban Sociology. New York City, NY: Atlantic Publishers & Dist, 2002. Print.