(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Medium of Sociology

Social inequality is a theme present in the study of various societies and analyzes the relationships between individuals, groups, social classes, and different cultures in the face of technical, technological, and informational transformations over time. Considering that social inequality has a significant impact on people's lives, especially in access to education, health, and job opportunities, it is important to understand its causes and mechanisms of perpetuation. In this context, which of the following alternatives presents a type of economic or social relationship that contributes to the aggravation and perpetuation of social inequality?

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.

During the period of the Industrial Revolution, economic growth and wealth concentration drove a reconfiguration of political power, leading to the consolidation of the modern State. In parallel, Enlightenment thought, with its ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity, shaped the theoretical foundations for the construction of a fairer society. In 'The Social Contract', Jean-Jacques Rousseau discusses the foundations of the legitimacy of political power, stating that 'force does not constitute right; it is never necessary to obey force, but only reason'. In its context, the transition from feudalism to capitalism had direct implications on political organization, reflecting on power relations and mechanisms of democratic participation. Considering the socioeconomic transformations of this period and Rousseau's concepts, analyze how the transition to capitalism influenced the conception of the State, highlighting the role of reason and the consent of the governed in structuring political power in the modern State.