Term Paper
There are different types of societies around the world. Each of these societies has its unique economic and political structure and systems. The term economic structure is used to define the varying balance of output, income, trade and employment that is drawn from various sectors of the economy. These range from primary farming, mining, and fishing to secondary construction and processing industries and the tertiary sector. On the other hand, political structures are the groups or institutions and their associations with each other including the interaction patterns within political systems and regulations. Changes in economic and political structures bring about challenges in politics and reallocating production factors. This paper seeks to explain the social conflict approach. It explores the African society specifically Kenyan society.
The Kenyan society political structure has been growing in leaps and bumps since independence. It is characterized by historical domestic strains and contestation related to centralization and power abuse. High-class corruption, post-election violence, and a long tiring process of constitution review are some elements of this political structure. However, the endorsement of a new constitution in 2010 and a somewhat peaceful electoral process in 2013 are highlights establishing a step forward in Kenya’s political structure and alteration from the political crisis in this society. Campaigning for a new constitution started back in the 80s but was finally conducted in 2010. The new constitution shaped the Kenyan society political structure. It introduced an expanded Bill of Rights that covered cultural, economic and social rights ("Social, economic and political context in Kenya | Interactions", n.d.). Additionally, it reduced the presidential powers, defined an appropriate power separation among the three arms of government, devolved power to regions and introduced significant changes to the budget process. This society’s political structure also takes care of the women’s rights. It ensures that women are involved in various arms that make vital decisions. Some political positions have specifically been left for women. However, the main shortcoming of this society’s political structure is the failure to establish the best ideologies to tackle the past human rights abuses and historical injustices.
The economic structure of the Kenyan society is dynamic. It is one of the largest and most varied economies in the region. For the past decade, it has grown at an average percentage of five. It is ranking the highest in the region in regards to human development index. The human capital and entrepreneurship give it a massive potential for continuous growth, employment creation and reduction of poverty. Latest findings of mineral resources such as oil improves the economy’s potential. However, despite significant reduction of poverty in the economy, wealth is unequally distributed in this economic structure. This society has remained unequal regarding income, gender and geographical location ("Social, economic and political context in Kenya | Interactions", n.d.). High levels of poverty are experienced in the arid and semi-arid areas. The coastal region is also affected because it receives very few resources. The high rate of population growth has influenced the economic growth in this society negatively.
How inequality of income, wealth, and political power is maintained
The Kenyan society is facing significant challenges regarding inequality of income, wealth, and political power. Inequality and discrimination are entwined, usually in a compound and equally reinforcing ways. Income inequality that leads to poverty is a cause of discrimination with those that are disadvantaged economically experiencing discrimination regarding access to basic social amenities and public services. Poverty is a result of discrimination within a range of groups that includes persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, and women. Variances in the share of income are witnessed across the board. For example, according to Equal Rights Trust and Kenya Human Rights Commission, some estimates show that 10% of the households have a control of 42% total income whereas the bottom 10% have a control of less than 1% (2012). Inequality and poverty are due to insufficient economic growth. Maintaining equality in the society leads to faster growth. Inequality is a matter of the human rights because they result to marginalization and failure of hearing the people’s voice.
A UNDP report exclusively linked Kenya’s society slow progress with income inequality. The report stated that reducing such disparities would reduce the time to get over the poverty line by 17 years. Thus, this would bring the nation within the touching distance of obtaining the millennium development goal of attaining equality (Equal Rights Trust and Kenya Human Rights Commission, 2012)
In addition to that, inequality of power is a common vice among many African societies. Men assume to hold more powers than women do. The women’s representation politically in the Kenyan society is well below the average that is required globally. Despite the aggregation of the new constitution that creates more seats for women, inequality is still a thorn in the flesh. For instance, women just occupy 87 out of the 416 seats set up by the new constitution dispensation. Moreover, in the cabinet women have been given just 6 out of the 16 positions available. There is a drive to involve women and beat the inequality tag for once and for all in this society.
False consciousness
False consciousness is an idea derived from the Marxist theory of social class. The concept refers to the systematic misrepresentation of significant social ties in the cognizance of subordinate classes. In other words, it is a particular state of mind, which prevents one from identifying the unfairness of their current situation. Marxists says that this state of mind stops individuals from joining their efforts and taking action to experience a better life than they presently have.
The false consciousness experienced in today’s society is grounded in the process of reification whereby a false identity is developed in the likeness of the ruling system. Marxism critiques inequality of capitalist societies. In a capitalist society, the economy is tuned towards rewarding owners of private companies that make profits (Scarince, 2016). According to Marxism, capitalism systems aim is to promote workers exploitation. The exploitation encompasses taking advantage of people who provide labor force in the production of goods and services and the owners their profits. In other words, if this system does not benefit the worker, it is good for the worker to oppose it. Marxists argue that workers need to embrace class-consciousness (Scarince, 2016). This involves the way in a person views their class and rank in society. For instance, if workers recognize that they have the ability to make things better, they should coordinate and resist the status quo and transform the economic system. This could be maintained through collective efforts to form unions and legislation that will address social welfare and comprehensive overhaul of the economy. False consciousness makes workers accept views, which benefit the people above them in social rank and status keeping the unjust system to spread further.
An example of false consciousness is a person voting in a way that benefits the people with wealthy status rather than helping people with similar economic range. For illustration, one may decide to vote in support of tax reduction for those people with lots of wealth, not bearing in mind that this tax money could be used in aid of an individual’s community (Scarince, 2016). Why would one do such a thing?
How religion maintains the present exploitative system
In the world, various societies have different religions. Instead of using religion as a means to bring the society together, it has been used as a tool for exploitation employed by the strong against the weak. In other words, it is a cover of ambition, injustice, and vice. Many people have relied on religion to make progress in their lives. Despite the fact that religion has been associated with comfort and unity, the exploiters have used it to satisfy their needs over our own.
Over the years, various religions have used the name of God to justify war and genocide. They have been employed to make us regard that some members of the exploited class are enemies rather than friends and fellow victims. Over many decades of human history, new religions continue to develop out of the older ones each time a riding class is in need of new weapon of mass destruction. Richard Dawkins, who is British biologist outlines the inconsistencies available in the Christian Bible ("Religion: Tool of Exploitation”, 2012). He describes the disconnection that is in existence between religion and morality. Murder and mayhem that is celebrated in the New and old Testaments are connected to the present abuse of children by the so-called religionists. Additionally, he describes the historical use of religions by the clergy to convince workers to kill their colleagues in boundless wars just for gain and profit. Dawkins’ goal is to explain how religion exploits the society.
On the other hand, Michael Parenti who is a Marxist emphasizes the greedy nature of preachers and priests. He demonstrates how they have enslaved innocent women and children for their sexual desires and gain. He reveals the dreadful hypocrisy of present-day clergy in their use of religious precepts in spreading worthless family values. While he exposes racism, wars, and nationalism that are promoted by the major religions, Parenti explains lightly about Jewish fundamentalism. He describes the Jews as the whipping boys of other faiths. He fails to acknowledge how the Israeli ruling class inflicts harassment on Palestinians ("Religion: Tool of Exploitation”, 2012).
In addition to that, various televangelists have been accused of making enormous wealth from gullible worshipers who believe that the televangelists are an equivalent of God and prophets. This is exploitation of the highest order because some worshipers are promised to heal through faith for the exchange of hefty and tax-free donations. This business thrives on the believe that wealth is a sign of favor from God and that donations will lead to more wealth coming back to you.
How globalization is changing the society
In the last two decades, the term ‘globalization’ has been used widely. It is a controversial term and is defined in different ways. It indicates that the world is interconnected far much than before. From an economic sense, globalization can be defined as the adoption of open and autonomous trading markets by lowering trade barriers, exclusion of capital controls, and liberalization of restriction of foreign exchange. The mass movement of money, increased trade volumes, advancements in information technology and communication are fundamental to a global world. Also, there is a significant migration of people from one state to another for work and trading purposes (Nalini, 2012). The rises in goods movement, labor, and services have destabilized national barriers and restrictions, which are enforced by a nation state. In the last two decades, the overall process of globalization has been driven by economic globalization. I will explore how globalization is changing the society.
Globalization is associated with significant human changes in society. Firstly, the migration of people from rural to urban areas is on the rise. Subsequently, this has resulted in bulging population in the cities especially in developing countries like Kenya. An outcome of this is poor living standards for many in the urban areas. Moreover, there is an increase of family disruptions and social-economic violence (Nalini, 2012). For example, in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, many families have broken up due to poverty related issues leading to an influx of street families.
The second change brought about by globalization is in regards to models of national identity, family, work and tradition, which are varying rapidly and considerably. There are reservations that competitiveness brought by globalization will result to more individualistic societies. Countries are losing influence in relative to worldwide economic pressures. In other nations, there is a hesitation to come up with social policies. These changes have resulted in exploitation and abuse of human rights for less privileged people.
The third effect of globalization on the society is identity confusion. In this regard, most people find it difficult to adapt to rapid globalization changes (Nalini, 2012). Some methods of the global culture are difficult to comprehend, and sometimes they undermine values and beliefs of the local culture. For example, most African societies, especially in Kenya, like to embrace and preserve their culture. They do not look to bend towards foreign cultures. However, some occurrences happen that tend to persuade indigenous people to abandon their culture.
Assumptions regarding the society
Having assumptions regarding any society is normal. After a study of that culture, you realize that it is better to keep perceptions until they are proven. In regards to the Kenyan society, which is of African descent I had the assumption that their political system is mature like any other country from the west. However, after this study, I realized this society’s political system is very young and developing. It is only in 2010 that they attained a new constitution dispensation that was a significant step towards political maturity. Economically, I had thoughts that this society is capable of satisfying the needs of its people amicably. This study has helped me to discover that this nation is still growing economically and is yet to hit maximum heights. The new information has contributed to viewing this society differently regarding economics, politics, and social in regards to the continuous development of it.
References
Social, economic and political context in Kenya | Interactions. Interactions.eldis.org. Retrieved 30 April 2016, from http://interactions.eldis.org/unpaid-care-work/country- profiles/kenya/social-economic-and-political-context-kenya
Equal Rights Trust., & Kenya Human Rights Commission. (2012). In the spirit of harambee: Addressing discrimination and inequality in Kenya.
Scarince, C. (2016). False Consciousness in Sociology: Definition & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. Study.com. Retrieved 30 April 2016, from http://study.com/academy/lesson/false-consciousness-in-sociology-definition-examples- quiz.html
Religion: Tool of Exploitation (2012). Plp.org. Retrieved 30 April 2016, from http://www.plp.org/challenge/2012/1/20/religion-tool-of-exploitation.html
Nalini, R. (2012). Impact of Globalization and Its Effect on Society. Legalservicesindia.com. Retrieved 30 April 2016, from http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/impact- of-globalization-and-its-effect-on-society-1395-1.html
