Understanding Inequality: Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory
In our contemporary society, there are problems such as high crime rates, domestic violence, and unemployment. However, cases of inequality based on someone’s race has existed for a long time. W.E.B Dubois explored this issue in his book, “The Souls of Black Folk.” By referring to this book, the essay will analyze the relationship between social constructionism and social structures and racism to help understand the behavior of society.
The main idea in the book is racism. Racism includes the unfair treatment of an individual based on their race. In the book, Dubois explores how free the African-Americans are, despite the abolition of slavery. Also, in the first paragraph, he suggests that the main problem in the 20th century was the color line (DuBois 7). He admits that he felt jealous of his son, who died before experiencing the effects of racial prejudice.
Moreover, the book shows how understandings of the world are developed in society. Also, Dubois suggested that what is viewed as reality by people and the community can be changed and how social constructs can vary depending on the events. Dubois condemns the actions of Booker T Washington for acceptance of racial segregation and emphasis on material progress. He claims it prevented the overall progression of the race and furthered inequality (Du Bois 22). If the black people needed fairness, they had to demand civic equality, right to vote, or access to higher education, rather than settle for what is available. Also, the book further showed how different parts of society are always conflicting because they are different.
The book helps me understand why some people are racist. In the past, I have been a victim of racism. These people who treat people differently do not have any idea about the impact on black people. In the book, Dubois talks about a veil. Since black people are in it, they understand what is inside and outside (DuBois 6). However, white people cannot fully understand the oppression of black people.
In the book, Dubois shows how black people have been treated differently because of their race. Also, the book shows how the reality as seen by people and society can be changed, how social constructs can be transformed. Besides, the book helped me understand some past racism experiences.