(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Medium of Sociology

Economist Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, in his book 'The Price of Inequality', discusses the social and economic consequences of income disparity, stating that 'inequality is not just a matter of social justice, but has significant implications for economic efficiency and growth'. In a recent study on social mobility, researchers from the Institute of Advanced Studies in Toulouse evaluated longitudinal data from different countries, relating investments in education and social policies to individuals' ability to ascend socially. Considering Stiglitz's arguments and the results of this research, analyze how economic inequality can act as a barrier to social mobility and discuss the importance of public policies focused on education and social well-being in reducing this disparity.

Analyzing the work 'Mass Culture in the 21st Century', the renowned sociologist J. B. Saldanha investigates the impact of contemporary communication technologies on the production and dissemination of cultural goods. According to Saldanha, 'mass culture not only replicates dominant cultural patterns, but also significantly influences the construction of identities and worldviews of a specific social group'. Considering this statement and integrating knowledge from sociology with the field of information technology, discuss how social networks and digital platforms can act as agents in shaping mass culture, exemplifying a scenario in which social networks play a key role in disseminating a new cultural trend and altering behavioral patterns of a specific group in contemporary society.

In the current context, there is a great cultural diversity that coexists in our society, however, often some individuals tend to judge other cultures, customs, and practices based on their own values and cultural standards, which is known as ethnocentrism. Considering this theme and the pursuit of building a more tolerant and egalitarian society, answer: 1) What is ethnocentrism and how can it contribute to the emergence and perpetuation of racism? 2) What are the possible negative impacts of ethnocentrism in contemporary society? 3) Discuss the importance of awareness and coexistence with cultural diversity in addressing ethnocentrism and racism.