QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS1. How Do Sumner And Du Bois Each Explain Inequalities Of Wealth And Accomplishment? Compare The Authors' Claims And Evidence.2. What Is The Historical Situation Of Both Authors? How Might Their Positions And Purposes Influence

**Understanding the Perspectives of Sumner and Du Bois: A Comparative Analysis**

William Graham Sumner and W.E.B. Du Bois were two prominent American sociologists who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their works focused on the social and economic conditions of the time, with a particular emphasis on the inequalities of wealth and accomplishment. In this article, we will delve into the perspectives of these two authors, comparing their claims and evidence, and exploring the historical context that influenced their positions and purposes.

Q&A: Sumner and Du Bois' Perspectives on Inequality

Q1: How do Sumner and Du Bois each explain inequalities of wealth and accomplishment?

A1: William Graham Sumner, in his book "What Social Classes Owe to Each Other" (1883), argued that social classes are a natural result of human differences and that individuals are responsible for their own economic circumstances. He believed that the wealthy owe nothing to the poor, as they have earned their wealth through hard work and merit. On the other hand, W.E.B. Du Bois, in his book "The Souls of Black Folk" (1903), contended that racial and economic inequalities are a result of systemic oppression and that the wealthy have a moral obligation to address these disparities.

Q2: What is the historical situation of both authors?

A2: William Graham Sumner was born in 1840 in Connecticut and was a professor of sociology at Yale University. He was a prominent figure in the field of sociology during the late 19th century and was known for his conservative views on social issues. W.E.B. Du Bois, on the other hand, was born in 1868 in Massachusetts and was a professor of sociology at Atlanta University. He was a leading figure in the African American community and was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Q3: How might their positions and purposes influence their perspectives on inequality?

A3: Sumner's conservative views and his emphasis on individual responsibility likely influenced his perspective on inequality, leading him to argue that individuals are responsible for their own economic circumstances. Du Bois' experiences as an African American and his commitment to social justice likely influenced his perspective on inequality, leading him to argue that systemic oppression is a major contributor to racial and economic disparities.

Q4: What evidence do Sumner and Du Bois use to support their claims?

A4: Sumner uses evidence from his observations of social classes and his analysis of economic data to support his claims. He argues that social classes are a natural result of human differences and that individuals are responsible for their own economic circumstances. Du Bois, on the other hand, uses evidence from his research on African American communities and his analysis of economic data to support his claims. He argues that racial and economic inequalities are a result of systemic oppression and that the wealthy have a moral obligation to address these disparities.

Q5: How do Sumner and Du Bois' perspectives on inequality reflect the social and economic conditions of their time?

A5: Sumner's perspective on inequality reflects the social and economic conditions of his time, which were characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization. His emphasis on individual responsibility and his argument that social classes are a natural result of human differences reflect the dominant ideologies of the time. Du Bois' perspective on inequality, on the other hand, reflects the social and economic conditions of his time, which were characterized by racial segregation and economic inequality. His argument that systemic oppression is a major contributor to racial and economic disparities reflects the experiences of African Americans during this period.

Q6: What are the implications of Sumner and Du Bois' perspectives on inequality for contemporary social issues?

A6: Sumner's perspective on inequality has implications for contemporary social issues, such as income inequality and social mobility. His emphasis on individual responsibility and his argument that social classes are a natural result of human differences can be seen as a justification for the status quo and can be used to argue against policies aimed at reducing income inequality. Du Bois' perspective on inequality, on the other hand, has implications for contemporary social issues, such as racial justice and economic inequality. His argument that systemic oppression is a major contributor to racial and economic disparities can be seen as a justification for policies aimed at addressing these disparities.

In conclusion, the perspectives of Sumner and Du Bois on inequality reflect the social and economic conditions of their time. Sumner's emphasis on individual responsibility and his argument that social classes are a natural result of human differences reflect the dominant ideologies of the late 19th century. Du Bois' argument that systemic oppression is a major contributor to racial and economic disparities reflects the experiences of African Americans during this period. Understanding the perspectives of these two authors can provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of their time and can inform contemporary debates on social issues.

• Sumner, W.G. (1883). What Social Classes Owe to Each Other.
• Du Bois, W.E.B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk.
• Mills, C.W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination.
• Anderson, M. (1991). The Social and Economic Status of the Black Population in the United States: An Historical Overview.

• Sumner, W.G. (1883). What Social Classes Owe to Each Other.
• Du Bois, W.E.B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk.
• Mills, C.W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination.
• Anderson, M. (1991). The Social and Economic Status of the Black Population in the United States: An Historical Overview.