How does social inequality cause a great division in the town of Maycomb?

The social inequity is prevalent in this story, and in fact a good case can be made for it being the driving force behind the story (the catalyst). For example, the trial of Tom Robinson. Even though he is clearly innocent he is charged guilty. Dill realizes this and begins to sob.

On a more subtle level is the social inequity involving class. For example, the Eweels are all considered poor and dirty people (no exceptions) while the Cunninghams were poor, but respectable. Members of each of these families use their standing in the community to excuse their bad behavior.