SOSC 103D Social Inequality in HK Lecture 2: Social Differences and Social Inequality.

SOSC 103DSocial Inequality in HK

Lecture 2: Social Differences and Social Inequality

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Social Inequalities Income and Wealth inequality Cultural inequality Political inequality Racial inequality/ inequality of ethnic origin Gender inequality Age inequality? ‘Beauty’ inequality? ‘Size’ inequality?

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Social Differences All individuals are different in terms of:

Biological characteristics Personality Attitudes Social roles Experiences

Social Differences = Social Inequality?

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Social Differentiation A necessary precondition for

inequality (but not sufficient)

Principle Assets: The basis of inequality Varies between societies Varies over time Through ascription or achievement

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Examples of Principle Assets

AgeSkillsDNA

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Social Ranking/ Evaluation Through comparison, individuals are

placed/ ordered in relation to one another (based on the Principle Assets)

Apply meaning to the differences and the order

Making judgment on how people should be ranked

Determine the resources distributed, prestige/ honor & privilege

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Ranking and Evaluation

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Questions we need to ask From social differences to social

inequality From inequality to fairness

Rules of the game What is the game about? Who set the rules? Who make the (value) judgment? Does everyone know and agree with the

rules?

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Social Inequality in Hong Kong Rules of the game in a Capitalist

HK What is “our” basic concern? Who set the rules in Hong Kong? What define the pattern of resources

distribution? Who define it?

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Notice:

Next Monday (5th Feb)

There’s no formal lecture But we have writing classes provided

by our TA Kaxton:1. In Cantonese (11 - 12pm in LTB)2. In English (3 - 4pm in Rm2405)