Marx & Durkhein's Perspectives & Prop 187

Marx and Durkheim's theoretical social perspectives are applicable to California's Proposition 187, one of the most widely debated, controversial bills in recent state history. Because both pro and con viewpoints on Proposition 187 have as their basis a malingering sense of social malaise, it will be beneficial to examine Marx and Durkheim's theories of social organization.

Proposition 187, the sweeping ballot initiative that would make illegal immigrants in California ineligible for most state-funded services (non-emergency health care, education, and social services), is an incendiary measure that has divided society into two camps--those who believe that society should do its best to integrate those immigrants who are already here (although undocumented), and those who believe that some sort of retaliatory measure is needed so that illegals get a clear picture that "enough is enough."

Robert Scheer (1994), a former Los Angeles Times national correspondent, believes that those in favor of Proposition 187 are merely looking for scapegoats to blame for the recent loss of jobs and prosperity during the recession. He compares the present societal discontent to that experienced in Nazi Germany. He maintains, "When Germany was prosperous, its society was highly civilized in the sense of being open to those who were different. But when the economy crumbled,, civility evaporated, and the hunt was on for scapegoats" (p. B-7).

When the economy starts to crumble, individual to

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ccording to his ability, to each according to his need." Marx's belief that the ranks of the proletariat will continue to expand can be verified in view of a recent census report on income and poverty, "Median household income in the United States, in real dollars, has declined by more than 7% since 1989. For households in the central cities, real income is down an astonishing 12%" (Scheer, 1994, p. B-7). The census figures show a reversal of the American dream--hard work and loyalty to a company do not mean increased prosperity. The reality is that one's earnings have been eroded, and job security is a thing of the past. Marx was concerned with class differences, and the ever-changing social currents which govern the conflicts between them. In the past five years, there has been a sharp national increase in class differences. According to Sheer (1994), "The latest census figures show that almost 40 million Americans live below the official government poverty level, almost 7 million more than five years ago. In California, one in five live in poverty" (p. B-7). Many citizens of the lower class who qualify for welfare are not interested in working for the minimum wage; therefore, these low-wage jobs are left for the undocu

Category: Government - M