Lenski's theory is associated with which aspect of inequality?

Lenski's theory is associated with which aspect of inequality?

• A. Lenski's theory
• B. Functionalist
• C. Conflict
• D. Social stratification

Answer: (A)

Lenski's theory examines how technology shapes inequality. He argues that as societies adopt more productive technologies, surplus and control over productive means become concentrated, which increases gaps in wealth, power, and prestige. This idea traces how inequality evolves across technological stages—from simpler to more complex societies—explaining why inequality can grow as technology advances. That makes it the best fit because the focus is on the mechanism driving inequality (technology-driven evolution), rather than just naming a broad perspective or the outcome. Functionalist and conflict are general lenses for thinking about inequality, while social stratification describes the end result or arrangement, whereas Lenski’s contribution is the process linking technology to changing inequality.

Lenski's theory examines how technology shapes inequality. He argues that as societies adopt more productive technologies, surplus and control over productive means become concentrated, which increases gaps in wealth, power, and prestige. This idea traces how inequality evolves across technological stages—from simpler to more complex societies—explaining why inequality can grow as technology advances.

That makes it the best fit because the focus is on the mechanism driving inequality (technology-driven evolution), rather than just naming a broad perspective or the outcome. Functionalist and conflict are general lenses for thinking about inequality, while social stratification describes the end result or arrangement, whereas Lenski’s contribution is the process linking technology to changing inequality.