Symbolic Inequality in Social Hierarchy

Every day, hundreds of people visit Batu Paralayang in Malang, gazing at the crowds below from above. This scenery creates a symbol of dominance—those at the top view those below as entertainment, as part of the landscape they observe without truly engaging with. This perspective reflects how positions in society are often perceived as achievements, a pinnacle that distinguishes the "successful" from the "ordinary." However, does this social elevation truly place someone in a higher position, or does it instead make them increasingly isolated?

Pierre Bourdieu, in his theory of "habitus" and "social capital," explains that social structures are not only created by individuals but also reproduced through everyday actions. Officials who focus on maintaining their status through symbols of power are actually reinforcing the social capital that distances them from the people. They use wealth and status as tools of distinction, a strategy Bourdieu calls "distinction"—a means to widen the social gap between the upper and lower classes.

Max Weber highlighted the concept of authority in three forms: traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal. Government officials should ideally represent rational-legal authority, serving society based on established laws and regulations. However, when this authority turns into domination and abuse of power, their status loses legitimacy. The public no longer sees them as legitimate leaders but as individuals merely maintaining their positions for personal gain.

Karl Marx's concept of alienation is also relevant to this phenomenon. Marx argued that under a capitalist system, individuals can become alienated from their work, their products, and even from other human beings. In this context, officials who should serve the public grow increasingly detached from the people they represent. They become part of a system that prioritizes status and wealth accumulation over collective well-being. As a result, they distance themselves not only from the public but also from the true purpose of their positions.

If the people no longer respect their status, the question should not be about the morality of the public but rather about the actions of these officials themselves. Weber posited that the legitimacy of authority can only be sustained if society believes in it. When officials exploit their positions to oppress and manipulate, they erode their own credibility. The status they proudly uphold will collapse as public trust diminishes.

Ultimately, social status should not be a tool for creating inequality but a responsibility to serve. Society must recognize that an individual’s status in the social system is not absolute. Just like someone standing at a great height looking down at the crowd, they must realize that one day, the winds of change can easily bring them back down. Therefore, fostering collective awareness to reevaluate social structures and demand truly dedicated leaders is a crucial step in building a more just and egalitarian society.