The Globalization of World Politics Free Essay Example, 2750 words

Wilkinson places the structure of societies in a continuum between the two extremes of dominance hierarchies and egalitarianism. But, the author maintains that the strategies to assume in particular social contexts depends on a fine balance that is triggered by differences in the degree of equality of inequality in the social environment. Crucially, he asserts that strategies born out of inequality provide the means for less affiliative solutions and likely to produce higher levels of conflict, friction, and violence within society. (Conversely, more equal societies lead to more cohesive strategies and provide greater security to individuals. ) Wilkinson shows that antisocial behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, violence and environmental damage all arise out of inequalities in social structures. Wilkinson systematically develops an analytical framework through the study of inequality and throws light on the many human insecurities deriving from the same. He maintains that inequality leads to a much lesser degree of social capital; the higher the income inequality, the greater is the rate of violent crime (including homicides), and people are content to not be involved in community life, and are likely to trust other individuals far less than in societies where the income distribution is more equitable. We will write a custom essay sample on The Globalization of World Politics or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page