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영어

The objective of this study is to propose the necessity of introducing Durkheim's ideas in addition to Marx and Weber's perception on economic inequality in the digital society. Moreover, the study introduces unequal distribution of wealth as a new approach to economic inequality in the digital society. In circumstance where unequal distribution of wealth condenses and regenerates, we need to think about how should we look at unequal distribution of wealth (perception), why this phenomenon emerged (cause), and how should we response to the phenomenon (alternative proposal). That is to say, Marx and Weber's approach is still effective in analyzing causes, however, it has limited explanation for economic inequality in the digital society. Durkheim's theory provides three insights on economic inequality in the digital society. Firstly, it provides a whole new perception to look at economic inequality in the digital society. Durkheim views social phenomena caused by economic inequality in the digital society, such as deviations and crimes, by using the concept of 'social facts.' At the same time, he proposes that there's mutual relationship between individuals and the society. He also finds causes for economic inequality in division of labors and anomic suicides. He believes that alternatives for social inequality in the digital society are 'moral individualism' and 'organic solidarity,' respectively social psychologically and social structurely. Consequently, in studying unequal distribution of wealth, expanded form of economic inequality in the digital society, Durkheim's theories are also effective and applicable in addition to Marx and Weber's.