Rewards In Society :: essays research papers

Micro Theme Assignment 1, Position 2Our present society is composed of a ranking structure establish on the premise that unequal distribution of rewards such as status, resources, and power is natural, right and goodness and for this type of structure to stand, there must be more on the bottom, and a few at the blow over. Persons in the structure must either resign themselves to their status, compete to win a higher position, and/or play off the position they have. In order for some to move up this structural hierarchy, others must move down if the structure is to remain stable. Although this process may be necessary for our existing society to function properly, it can also prove to be detrimental to society. The competition, fear, greed, resentment and r tear downge inherent in these types of social systems track to be formidable barriers blocking the way to social equality in our current society. Karl Marx believed that production is dependant on the workers material conditio ns present at the time. anisometric distribution of rewards may cause those people who do not experience promotion or personal put one over to feel insignificant to society, resulting in a low self-esteem and a reduced level of production. I enlisted into the United States Army for three years following my high school graduation. A good example of unequal distribution of awards is the military, where the whole income structure is based on a person&8217s rank, and only one individual at the top of your chain of command can grant a request for an increase in rank. If that individual does not like you, he or she has the power to recall any and all requests for promotion. For the soldiers that were denied a promotion, they were looked down upon by many of their peers and leaders. These soldiers soon began to act as if they did not deserve to be promoted. Marx said, &8220how workers are related to for each one other can affect their family relations, leisure activities, child-rearing practices, and self-esteem(Kerbo 94). I observed some of these characteristics, such as low self-esteems, thoughts of quitting the Army before the expiration of enlistment, thoughts of committing violent crimes, and even suicide. The unequal distribution of rewards can also lead to what Max Weber called &8220status groups, groups of people who obtain similar levels of promotion, prestige or personal gain in their workplace or community. These groups of people tend to cut themselves off from those not in their group.