Question

Jin is a conflict theorist sociologist. Which of the following statements about Occupy Wall Street would most align with Jin’s sociological perspective? Occupy Wall Street is dangerous; large crowds in these environments heighten the risk for sexual abuse and gender discrimination. Occupy Wall Street is a waste of time; our capitalistic economy is keeping our nation healthy, and is designed for maximum efficiency. Occupy Wall Street is a threat; with so many angry people gathered in one place, horrible violence will surely break out. Occupy Wall Street is positive; our capitalist economy is only making social inequality grow larger.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: "our capitalist economy is only making social inequality grow larger."

As stated by Karl Marx, who created the Conflict Theory, society is in a state of constant and perpetual conflict in which individuals and groups fight for the limited resources available. Those with power will try to hold on to their wealth by suppressing the social groups which are more vulnerable. An essential premise of this theory is that individuals and groups work in order to maximize their own benefits.

Applying this to Wall Street, it can be concluded that the powerful people at Wall Street, who possess the power and the knowledge, will maintain and/or grow their earnings at the expense of the inexperienced people who have their savings invested in here and will probably incur in losses in the long term.