Read pages 220-239
Throughout this course we have been looking at social inequality when it comes to gender, race, ethnicity, and social class. According to Noam Chomsky, the inequality between the super wealthy and the poor is so extreme today that it is corrosive to our democracy. Our book tells that the “acceptance of inequality is not a recent occurrence; indeed, it is as old as human societies.”
So, how it is legitimate? Why do the majority of people (who have no wealth, a lack of power, and political influence) accept this inequality? Why is not questioned or challenged enough?
1) From the readings, explain how the wealthy and powerful create legitimacy through ideology.
2) Be sure to define ideology in your response and explain what is the “American Ideology” using one of the following value patterns individualism, equality of opportunity, meritocracy, the work ethic, or liberal capitalism. Support your claims with examples from the readings.
