Since ancient times, the development of human civilization has been accompanied by the polarization of society. Indeed, back in ancient times, the tendency to divide cities into ghettos, where slaves were determined, and various quarters where various artisans worked, lived in the nobility, the clergy, etc.
Term
The polarization of society is a tendency to increase the difference between social groups that are different in nature, leading ultimately to a conflict of interest. A clear manifestation of features always leads to an increase in the gap between social groups. For example, an ordinary worker by occupation will always differ from a qualified specialist. Leaders and subordinates will always be at different social levels. The increase in polarization occurs as a result of a sharp change in the behavior model of one of the two social categories. An example is the manifestation of bourgeois inclinations among the proletariat and vice versa.
In this regard, the social policy of many countries involves reducing the rate of increase in inequality in order to prevent possible exacerbations in society.
From the history of the term
The polarization of society is a relatively new term that entered the vocabulary of sociologists at the end of the millennium. During the recovery of the American economy, which occurred in the 60s - 70s of the last century, the quality of life of the population has increased significantly. In this regard, the American working class began to manifest the habits and behavior patterns inherent in it of the middle class.
Subsequently, some sociologists came to the conclusion that the social polarization of society is a sign of the evolution of society. The opinions of researchers on this issue were divided. Some considered this a positive trend in the development of society. Others, relying on the “friend or foe” model, believed that polarization would only exacerbate conflicts between social strata
Varieties of polarization of society
Scientists distinguish several varieties:
- Polarization by income level implies an increase in the number of people with varying degrees of income.
- Polarization by belonging to different classes means an increase in the number of people belonging to a higher, relatively middle, or lower class.
- Polarization according to the principle of the "friend or foe" concept. It consists in growing inequality on other grounds. For example, the accessibility of social benefits for some social groups and inaccessibility for others, without fail leads to the polarization of society. This, of course, cannot positively affect the development of society.
Sociological studies of the first type of polarization eloquently speak of the growing inequality since the 1980s on this principle in many developed countries. Class polarization is much more difficult to determine, because the concepts of "middle class", "working class" and "elite" are still vague and not applicable to many countries.
The last type of polarization - “friend or foe” - is closely associated with the inability to get a job on racial, gender and other affiliation. As a result, the appearance of a ghetto where people who do not have stable earnings and live on benefits from the state are forced to live.