Final answer:
Capitalism causes alienation in individuals and inequality among groups, driven by the conflict between those who own the means of production (the bourgeoisie) and the laborers (the proletariat). Scholars like Marx and Weber have articulated how this economic system leads to class struggles and wider social issues. These issues are highlighted by modern social movements that seek to address the resulting social unrest and marginalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structures of capitalism cause alienation in individual persons and inequality between groups. As noted by Karl Marx, the economic structure of capitalism brings about a division between the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who are the laborers. This system inherently leads to conflict and class struggles, as the interests of these groups are fundamentally opposed. German sociologist Max Weber also acknowledged this conflict, attributing additional layers of inequalities based on education, race, and gender, which in turn affect social mobility and perceptions of power legitimacy.
Poverty and inequality are seen as inescapable features of capitalism according to several scholars, where wealth creation for some inevitably exacerbates poverty and inequality for others. The historical development of capitalism from feudal society means that class conflict and the struggle for property have been central to societal change throughout history. Today, these capitalist-driven inequalities manifest as social unrest and marginalization, evidenced by movements such as Black Lives Matter.
Ultimately, the perpetual nature of class conflict within capitalism seeks resolution through social and political change. While a complete overthrow of capitalism has not been widely adopted, the inequalities produced by this system continue to be a subject of critique and a catalyst for reform and revolution movements globally.