Discuss the social criticism in The Jungle.

I think that an argument can be made that Sinclair's work
contains nothing but social criticism. In one light, Sinclair's work brings to light the
condition of immigrants entering America at the turn of the century. The people who enter
America, like Jurgis and Ona, believe in the power and hope of the dreams that are present in
America. They recognize that some sacrifice will be needed in order to achieve those dreams.
However, Sinclair brings to light the condition of how people like Jurgis and Ona are abused and
mistreated under the guise of "the American Dream." In this condition, Sinclair is making the
argument that there has to be something in place to protect the rights of those who are the most
vulnerable, individuals who endure language difficulties, cultural challenges, and the
psychological experience of leaving one realm for the better hopes of another. Linked to this is
a criticism of the capitalist machine driving American business. Sinclair's indictment of
capitalism as a type of force that seeks only profit at the cost of human beings is something
that is heavily criticized in the novel. The economic setting that uses people as means to an
end, as opposed to an end in its own right is something that is brought out in the novel that
demands change. Business practices that devalue both consumer and worker are evident in the
novel's meatpacking plants and something that Sinclair criticizes in American
society.