Horizontal Inequalities and Social Stability in the Context of Development

• In Event: 286 - Section on Sociology of Development Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Paper Session: Table 03. Inequality

Abstract

The question of the relationship between forms of social inequality and systematic social stability in various forms has been long researched by social scientists. While evidence regarding economic inequality and the most extreme form of social instability (large scale violence) has historically been inconsistent, the introduction of a more nuanced conception of inequality into this arena of research, horizontal inequality, provides a potentially valuable way of understanding the link between inequality and social stability; especially in the developing context. Stewart (2008) defines horizontal inequalities as “inequalities between culturally defined groups or groups with shared identities” which “may be formed by religion, ethnic ties or racial affiliations, or other salient factors which bind groups of people together” (12-13). These inequalities may take the form of political, economic, or social differences between groups. Using a cross-national sample of individuals in the African context, this analysis provides insight into the relationship between perceptions of horizontal inequality and various attitudes and beliefs that may potentially undermine political and economic stability. The results indicate that the individual’s assessment of their own ethnic group’s relative political and economic position in their society significantly pattern their tendency toward ethnic favoritism, pessimistic outlooks toward future economic well-being, general social trust and fear of becoming victim to political violence. These results are net of, and in addition to both perceived and objective individual material well-being.

Author

• Kevin Doran, Indiana University