Question

How does class stratification perpetuate systemic inequality?. How does one class determine their life chances? (20 points)

Answer 1

Class stratification perpetuates systemic inequality because it leads to the preferential allocation of resources and cares to people who belong to the economically and socially affluent class. For example in the USA where we have multiple payers in healthcare, there is unequal access to care, the rich people can afford the costliest procedures as well as medications, while the poor don’t even get access to minimum facilities. However in other developed countries such as Canada where we have universal health coverage, there is no class stratification on the basis of income and all get equal access to healthcare, i.e. there is equity. Thus in counties such as the USA, where wealth is in the hands of 1% extremely high people, class determines life chances as the wealthiest get the most expensive personalized treatments that are latest in terms of development such as stem cell therapy.