Economic Disparity: The Root of Social Insufficiency when Analyzing Socio-Economic Factors and Human Agency

Socio-economic security and its foundational effects on human agency go under-addressed by sociologists, behavioral science professionals, and social activists seeking to encourage communal motivation for addressing social problems at a local level. The purpose of this literature review is to show a common theme across several works of socioeconomic theory; namely that an individual’s level of baseline contentment affects their ability to address social problems in their community. Contentment, or the state of satisfaction and happiness, is observed with collected survey data pertaining to access to secure housing and employment status. This data may have an effect on discouraging or encouraging actions regarding participation in the process of troubleshooting social problems. Speculation around local citizens’ lack of courage or determination in developing their own intellectual thoughts for addressing social problems within their immediate vicinity was considered. Levels of empowerment within modern societal structures are investigated in conjunction with Immanual Kant’s Enlightenment essay, What is Enlightenment? (1784). Additionally, Ibn Khaldun’s cycle theory is examined for insights into social solidarity and social history revolving around concepts of ‘brotherhood,’ which for this research will be referred to as comradeship for broader inclusivity. An evaluation of Karl Marx’s conflict theory and agency theory will be inspected for potential relevance regarding the class discourse alongside minority repercussions. The priority for this study is to encourage solution-based practices of empowerment for the societal masses, initially targeting local, baseline social problems that, when addressed, can spur the innovation of social norms and values.