Comparison of the Social Systems of Israel, China and the U.S - Research Paper Example

The paper "Comparison of the Social Systems of Israel, China and the U.S" is an excellent example of a research paper on politics. This paper will compare and contrast different social theories applied in Israel, China and the United States of America respectively. It will explore the social theory in each of these countries by identifying the political, social, religious-cultural, tolerance and educational practices in all of the aforementioned countries. It will then illustrate how these practices affect tolerance in the respective countries and explore the oppressed groups in each country, as well as discuss how the pressed groups are fighting this oppression.

The paper will conclude by stating if the social theories applied in the countries promote citizen empowerment. Most social structures are based on occupation, wealth, income and education According to Corfe (2008), in the United States of America capitalism is implemented as both a political theory and a social theory. Capitalism is social and political system which is based on ownership of property privately and production of goods and services is aimed at generating profit. This has created three major social classes in the United States of America.

They are: the rich, middle class citizens, and finally the poor citizens. The social system in the United States of America is based on wealth, level of education and income. For example, one may find that people who belong to the rich class of the community are mostly either rich or extremely well-educated and know perfectly well how to invest and earn huge amounts of money. According to Corfe (2008), one’s social status literally influences everything in United States of America including health and life expectancy.

The United States education system is structured in a way that promotes capitalism (Corfe, 2008). This is so because from the primary level of education students are not only taught basic education like history and biology they are also taught about self-empowerment within the framework of business studies. Self-employment and innovation are encouraged by the United States of America curriculum and is even funded by the government. For example, a number of successful business entrepreneurs and innovators today started their businesses being either in college or high school; they include icons like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

Capitalism allows for various cultural practices as long as they are within the low. Hence, in the United States of America, there is freedom of worship and cultural assembly as long as the culture and religion in question does not go against the constitution. The major religions in the United States of America include Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism. This social system does not seem to promote citizens’ empowerment since only the rich have the real power in making decisions affecting the citizens.

The social and political system in China is based on communism. According to Dirlik (2005), communism is a social and political system, which is based on togetherness and communal ownership of property. It was introduced and implemented in China by Mao Zedong through the Communist Party of China in 1947. However, communism was not enacted into China’s constitution until 1982 (Dirlik, 2005). Through communism, the Chinese government has been able to oppress its citizens by limiting their political and religious rights.

The education system in China is also based on communism, and patriotism is emphasized in a class where citizens are expected to implement at every level of social life what they are taught to be of use and service for their country. For example, according to Dirlik (2005), after high school they are the youth are required by law to join the armed forces. Communism has not promoted citizens’ empowerment since what is set by the government must be followed accurately and there are consequences to be faced if the government’s position is opposed in any way.

In Israel the socio-political system is based on Zionism, which is a nationalistic movement that calls on all Jewish people to return to their homeland - Israel (Sofer, 2007). It calls for Israelis to not assimilate with other religions, cultures and ways of life. It was first implemented by David Ben-Gurion, who was the first prime minister of Israel. Since Zionism requires the establishment of a strong and sovereign state of Israel, all the economic, educational, religious and cultural principles are aimed at attaining this sovereignty (Sofer, 2007).

For example, homeland security of Israel as a state is a key factor of governmental policy because defense of the country is the prime of all things. Zionism has promoted citizens’ empowerment since all citizens are proud to be Jews. This can be seen in the enrolment of youth to the armed forces to defend their country. In all the three countries there are oppressed people who fight for change within their countries. For example, in Israel, Arabs have been an undermined group for a long time.

They have formed organizations, such as the Organization of Democratic Action, to fight for the Arab minority in Israel.