Introduction
Inequality remains a common social problem in different countries across the globe. In Canada, this problem has been rising steadily, thereby presenting additional political, economic, and social issues. While the level is not extremely high, those who have higher income levels and wealthy appear to dictate and control economic forces in the country. The promotion of capitalism, the living conditions of most of the citizens, the percentage the rich control in terms of national wealth, and the promotion of stratification are the key factors that explain why social class forms the primary cause of social inequality in Canada.
Leading Cause of Social Inequality
The case of Canada reveals that a number of forces are responsible for the nature of social inequality recorded in this country. For instance, social class, stratification, race, ethnicity, gender, sex, and religion are all possible causes of inequality. However, class or wealth appears to top the list based on the experiences, lives, and outcomes of most of the citizens in this country. In the Canadian setting, social has emerged as a powerful force founded on the power of capitalism (Osberg, 2019). This factor favors a materialistic approach whereby individuals are segmented based on political affiliations, employment opportunities, lifestyles, and economic opportunities. In Canada, such forces have emerged in such a way that they deliver a unique form of inequality. This attribute explains why some the people have opportunities and lead better lives while others are finding it hard to record meaningful social mobilities.
Several arguments and ideas could be presented to explain why class or wealth is the leading cause of social inequality in Canada. First, a class system is designed in accordance with the capitalistic model or theory the Karl Marx developed and postulated. The economic framework indicates that a powerful class emerges that is capable of owning and determining the manner in which the economy operates. Individuals in such a class will own property, control all factors of production, and dictate the performance of stock markets. On the contrary, the less fortunate will become the working class (Sarlo, 2017). Members of such a group will only be required to provide labor at a cost that the capitalists control. An end result is a unique form of social inequality whereby most people will languish in poverty while the rich will be in total control of the economy. Such a reality is exactly what has been happening in Canada.
Second, the living conditions and experiences of many people in this country show conclusively that the recorded class system is the leading cause of inequality. For instance, a report by United Nations revealed that around 10 percent of Canada’s population was in control of over half of the country’s wealth (Osberg, 2019). Additionally, the report indicated that around 1 percent of the country’s richest people earned around 14 percent of the recorded income. The same group in the top of the economic status was earning 10 times more of the nation’s median salary (Osberg, 2019). These statistics explain how and why most of the people in the country have been unable to lead better lives or record improved social mobilities. Without proper mechanisms and initiatives to address these gaps, additional challenges have continued to emerge. Coupled with the other causes of inequality, the less fortunate have continued to lead poor lives.
Third, symbolic interactionism theory has become a powerful model for learning more about societies and some of the existing challenges. Scholars in the field of sociology rely on this framework to examine societies from a micro level. This tool makes it easier for them to identity how people’s social statuses dictate the manner in which they interact and pursue their goals. With most of the leaders doing very little to address the problem of inequality, the country’s level of stratification has increased significantly (Osberg, 2019). The rich have been keen to maintain this kind of social divide because it appears to serve their interests. Specifically, the wealthy in different business sectors engage in activities and make decisions that eventually result in the exploitation of the poor. Those with minimum income levels are compelled to offer cheap labor to put food on their tables. These scenarios and facts recorded in the country show conclusively that social class or wealth is the leading cause of social inequality in Canada.
Fourth, I believe that the trends and social relations experienced in this country could provide additional insights to support class as the most important force that triggers inequality. For instance, Sarlo (2017) acknowledges that many people living outside Canada believe that Canada is a middle-class country whereby only a few poor citizens exist. Unfortunately, the available data or information reveals that the distribution of resources and wealth in Canada remains uneven. Those living below the country’s median income will encounter challenges when looking for money to purchase food or pay rent (Bird & Zolt, 2015). The middle-class population has been on the decline since in the 1980s (Sarlo, 2017). At the same time, the successful and wealthy members of the society get increased wages and salaries and control most of the key factors of production. These trends have been taking place even at a time when the economy’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been increasing steadily.
Finally, Canada is one of the few nations in the world that have implemented powerful policies to address the challenges of racism. Specifically, the government relies on the country’s Constitution to present principles and values that compel all citizens to take the issue of racial equality seriously. Government institutions and companies are required to act ethically and provide equal chances to all citizens. Some of the key areas to take into consideration include education, asylum, housing, care delivery, and employment opportunities. These initiatives have created a scenario whereby race or ethnicity cannot be the leading cause of social inequality. Those who had the opportunities before succeeded in getting the relevant resources, thereby being in a position to have total control of the country’s factors of production (Bird & Zolt, 2015). The government has remained reluctant to take the issue of class seriously and identify emerging predicaments to find a sustainable solution.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that social inequality is a major challenge affecting the economic experiences and outcomes of many citizens. The promotion of social class is the leading cause of the recorded inequality. Some of the factors that support this argument include the existence of capitalism, the living conditions of many Canadians, and the fact that the rich control the nation’s wealth. The experienced level of stratification could also explain why social class forms the primary cause of social inequality in this country.
References
Bird, R. M., & Zolt, E. M. (2015). Taxation and inequality in Canada and the United States: Two stories or one? Osgoode Hall Law Journal, 52(2), 401-426. Web.
Osberg, L. (2019). What’s so bad about increasing inequality in Canada? IRPP. Web.
Sarlo, C. A. (2017). Understanding wealth inequality in Canada. Fraser Institute.