Only a few people enjoyed the wealth of Japan due to a combination of historical, social, and economic factors. The country's feudal system historically concentrated wealth and power among a small elite class, while the majority of the population remained in agrarian poverty. Additionally, rapid industrialization post-Meiji Restoration created disparities, as wealth accumulation often favored industrialists and urban areas over rural communities. This unequal distribution of resources and opportunities has persisted, leading to ongoing economic disparities.
Stratification of wealth refers to the unequal distribution of assets, resources, and income among individuals or groups within a society. This can lead to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while others may experience financial hardship or limited opportunities. Social stratification based on wealth can contribute to societal inequalities and disparities.
They were often poor, had few job skills, spoke little English, didn't understand how American democracy worked, had few resources to get help, and needed child care while they worked.
During the Gilded Age, big businesses led to significant economic growth, job creation, and innovations in technology and infrastructure, contributing to the rise of the United States as an industrial power. However, they also fostered monopolies and exploitation of workers, leading to poor labor conditions and widening income inequality. Additionally, the concentration of wealth and power among a few industrialists raised concerns about corruption and the influence of money on politics. Overall, while big businesses drove progress, they also created social and economic challenges.
The elitist theory of government posits that political power is held by a small, privileged group of individuals who make decisions that benefit themselves rather than the broader population. This theory suggests that wealth, social status, or expertise can lead to a concentration of power among a select few in society.
Financial oligarchy is a system where a small, elite group of individuals or institutions control a large portion of a nation's wealth and influence its economic policies. This concentration of wealth and power can lead to inequality, corruption, and disproportionate influence over government decisions.
Here are a few: health, wealth, filth
Because as the price of a commodity increases, the purchasing power of consumers reduces. Consumers will then shy away and only few people would be able to pay for the extra. Thus, increase in profit may not necessarily mean maximization of wealth.
Aristocracy is a form of government or social structure where power is held by a privileged elite, typically based on noble lineage, wealth, or education. In contrast, an oligarchy is a system where power rests with a small group of individuals or families, regardless of nobility, often based on wealth, military power, or social status. While both involve rule by a select few, aristocracy emphasizes hereditary privilege, whereas oligarchy can include a broader range of power sources.
In communism, the primary source of power is the collective ownership of the means of production by the people or the state. This allows for wealth and resources to be distributed more equally among the population, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups.
Ray Stannard Baker criticized American society for its unequal distribution of wealth, lack of labor rights and protections, and for ignoring the plight of the working class. He argued that the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few was detrimental to the well-being of the nation as a whole.
Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with a small number of people. These people might be distinguished by nobility, wealth, family ties, education or corporate, religious or military control.