Social Inequality: The System of Social Inequality In Nigeria

Social inequality refers to the unjust distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among societies or groups in a society. It is a pervasive and has a long historical problem in many societies around the world, and it roots can be traced back to different factors including  historical, political, economic, and cultural.

The earliest theories of social inequality was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. They both argued that the capitalist system, in which the means of production are own by privates and operated for huge  profit making, creates a class system where the bourgeoisie (the owners of capital) exploits the proletariat or labourers for their labours. This resulted in a widening wealth gap between the two: poor and rich which perpetuates social inequality or social injustice.

However, another influential theory that also explaines social inequality is structural-functionalism, developed in 20th century by Emile Durkheim. Based on this theory, social inequality is a necessary feature of society, as provided incentives for individuals to work hard and achieve success.

Moreover, excessive inequality can lead to social unrest, war, revolution and conflict, and therefore must be managed, minimise and controlled by the state.

Recently, over the years other scholars had focused on the role of cultural factors in perpetuating social inequality. For example, Pierre Bourdieu has argued that social inequality is reinforced by cultural practices and institutions that perpetuate the dominant values and beliefs of the ruling class. This includes educational systems, media, and other forms of cultural production that reinforce the practice and exclude or marginalise certain groups (groups of poor people).

Concept of System of Social Inequality 

According to (McCall, 2001; Collins, 2019) sociologists say a  system of social inequality refers to a set of social structures or arrangements that create and perpetuate unequal or unjust distribution of resources, opportunities, and power among different groups of people based on their social identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, religion, or sexuality.This system is often hierarchical, with some groups occupying positions of privilege and dominance while others are marginalised and subordinated (Kendall, 2019).

Collins (2019), a sociologist, says  a system of social inequality is characterised by "a patterned way of structuring social relations in which certain groups (the rich people) are positioned as superior (because they owned money) to others." They achieved this through various mechanisms such as discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes, and institutional practices that favour certain groups over others (Collins, 2019). The effects of social inequality are far-reaching and can be seen in different sectors like in health outcomes, educational attainment, job opportunities, and access to resources and social aminities such as housing and financial services (Kendall, 2019).

Similarly, McCall (2001) another sociologist, argues that social inequality is not just the result of individual actions or preferences but is also institutionalized and deeply embedded in social structures and norms. McCall suggests that a system of social inequality operates through four main mechanisms: cultural beliefs and values, institutional practices, interactional processes, and individual identity and consciousness. These mechanisms interact with each other and create a self-reinforcing system of inequality that is difficult to dismantle (McCall, 2001).

Thus, a system of social inequality has  multidimensional phenomenon and complex in its nature that involves both individual attitudes and behaviours as well as wide social structures and institutions. Understanding and addressing social inequality requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach that takes into account the various ways in which different forms of oppression intersect and interact with each other (Collins, 2019; McCall, 2001).

System of Social Inequality In Nigeria 

Nigeria is a unique and diverse country with multi- ethnic and cultural groups. In spite of this diversity, Nigeria has a long history of social inequalities, which has led to economic, political, and social disparities. As a results now Nigeria had been facing dangerous corruption, insecuries at various level in some states. Issues of Boko haram, banditry and existence of cult grouops especially in the southern part of the country were all caused by series of social inequalities practiced by top government officials and the rich. Here are some of the few examples of social inequality in Nigeria:

Economic Inequality: Nigeria has one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the world, with a Gini coefficient of 48.8 as of 2020. This means that wealth is unequally shared or distributed, and a small percentage of the population controls the majority of the resources ( mostly top government officials and politicians). According to a report from Oxfam, the combined wealth of Nigeria's five richest individuals is more than the country's entire health budget for 2021.

Gender Inequality: Women in Nigeria face significant barriers to education (especially in the remote areas), employment, and political participation ( Men dominated the political structures). According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021, Nigeria ranks 136th out of 156 countries in gender equality. Women are living in extreme poverty, with higher rates of unemployment, abuses in marriages, societal abuses, limited access to healthcare and suffered deprivations of social rights. These need to be addressed by the politicians if want Nigeria to move forward.

Ethnic Inequality: Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups according data, and there is a long history of inter-ethnic conflict especially in the southern part of the country. Some ethnic groups, such as the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, have historically had greater political and economic power than others, politics were dominated by Hausas and Yorubas while Igbos were seen themselves marginalised, as a result they formed criminal group calling for break away from the state. This has led to resentment and tension between different groups and has contributed to the country's instability.

Religious Inequality: Nigeria is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south mixed with Muslims, traditionalists and pagans, and there have been tensions between these groups especially Muslims and christians. In decades, there have been attacks by Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group that has targeted military, Muslims, Christians and other non-Muslims in the name of enforcing Islamic laws which is unaccepted in Islamic doctrine. In Islam its prohibited to enforce individuals to embrace the religion, religion of Islam is by individual will and acceptance.

Finally, social inequality in Nigeria is a complex issue that affects different groups in various ways. Economic, gender, ethnic, and religious inequality are some of the most significant forms of inequality in the country. Addressing these inequalities requires a multifaceted approach that involves government policies, social programs, religious leaders and community engagement. For Nigeria to move forward some of these social injustices must be addressed.

Components of System of Social Inequality 

Some of the key components include the followings:

1. Economic Inequality: economic inequality refers to the unequal or unjust distribution of wealth, infrastructures, income, and resources among individuals or groups in society. It can be measured by indicators such as the Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality within a country. Economic inequality is often driven by factors such as differences in education, skills, and access to opportunities.

2. Gender Inequality: gender inequality refers to the unequal or unjust treatment of individuals based on their gender. It can manifest in various forms such as unequal pay, limited access to education and job opportunities, and gender-based violence. Gender inequality is often driven by cultural norms, social expectations, and systemic biases.

3. Racial and Ethnic Inequality: Racial and ethnic inequality refers to the unequal or unjust treatment of individuals based on their race or ethnicity. It can manifest in various forms such as discrimination, segregation and marginalisation in hiring and housing, access to healthcare and education, and racial profiling by law enforcement. Racial and ethnic inequality is often driven by historical and systemic factors such as institutional racism and colonialism.

4. Social Class Inequality: Social class inequality refers to the unequal or unjust distribution of social status and power among individuals or groups in society. It can be measured by indicators such as education, occupation, and income. Social class inequality is often driven by factors such as social mobility, access to resources, and the intergenerational transmission of wealth.

5. Geographic Inequality: Geographic inequality refers to the unequal or unjust distribution of resources and opportunities based on geographic location or region. It can manifest in various forms such as limited access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities in rural or remote areas. Geographic inequality is often driven by factors such as infrastructure, transportation, and government policies.

Theories of System of Social Inequality

There are varieties theories of social inequality that have been proposed by sociologists and other social scientists. Here are some of the most prominent among them:

Structural-Functionalism: this theory suggests that social inequality exists because it serves a functional purpose in society. According to this perspective, certain roles and positions in society are more important and require more skill and training, and therefore deserve more rewards. This theory was first developed by Emile Durkheim in his book presented "The Division of Labour in Society" presented in 1893.

Conflict Theory: the theory suggests that social inequality exists because of conflicts between different groups in society. According to this perspective, those who have power and resources will use them to maintain their position of advantage over those who do not. This theory was developed by Karl Marx in his famous book "Das Kapital" presented in 1867.

Symbolic Interactionism: the theory suggests that social inequality is constructed through the everyday interactions between individuals. According to this perspective, people use symbols and language to communicate their status and social position to others, and these interactions reinforce social inequality. The theory was developed by George Herbert Mead in his famous book "Mind, Self, and Society" presented in 1934.

Feminist Theory: the theory suggests that social inequality exists because of gender-based discrimination and oppression. According to this perspective, women are often excluded from positions of power and authority, and their work and contributions are undervalued. This theory has been developed by numerous feminists including Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks and Judith Butler. But no evidence of papers presented on the theory.

Intersectionality Theory: the theory suggests that social inequality is shaped by the intersection of multiple social categories, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. According to this perspective, individuals may experience different forms of discrimination and oppression depending on their intersecting social identities. The theory was developed by Kimberle Crenshaw in her article "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex" presented in 1989.

References:

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Durkheim, E. (1895). The Rules of Sociological Method. New York: Free Press.

Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgment of Taste. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Collins, P. H. (2019). Intersectionality as critical social theory. Duke University Press.

Kendall, D. (2019). Sociology in our times: The essentials. Cengage Learning.

McCall, L. (2001). The complexity of intersectionality. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 26(3), 943-977.

Oxfam International. (2021). Inequality in Nigeria. https://www.oxfam.org/en/countries/nigeria

World Economic Forum. (2021). The Global Gender Gap Report 2021. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2021.pdf

Adele Jinadu. (2017). Ethnicity, Inequality and National Integration in Nigeria. Nigerian Political Science Review, 3(1), 1-16. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/npsr/article/view/163040

Human Rights Watch. (2020). Nigeria. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/nigeria

Durkheim, E. (1893). The division of labor in society. Free Press.

Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. Verlag von Otto Meissner.

Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, self, and society. University of Chicago Press.

de Beauvoir, S. (1949). The second sex. Vintage Books.

Hooks, b. (1981). Ain't I a woman? Black women and feminism. South End Press.

Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum.