Social inequality
Social Inequality refers to a situation in which individual groups in a society do not have equal social status. Areas of potential social inequality include voting rights,freedom of speech and assembly, the extent of property rights and access to education, health care, quality housing and other social goods. Apart from that it can also be seen in the quality of family and neighbourhood life, occupation, job satisfaction, and access to credit. If today these economic divisions harden, they can lead to social disadvantages. In a society, everyone should be able to access certain minimum levels of social welfare and recognition regardless of their individual positions, achievements and monetary resources.
In other words, social inequality is the way in which socially-defined categories of persons according to characteristics such as gender, age, class and ethnicity are differentially positioned with regard to access to the labour market and other sources of income, the education and healthcare systems, and forms of political representation and participation. These and other forms of social inequality are shaped by a range of structural factors, such as geographical location or citizenship status, and are often underpinned by cultural discourses and identities defining them.
Causes
The reasons for social inequality can vary, but are often broad and far reaching. Social inequalities exist between races, classes and countries. The results of such social inequalities can be seen around the globe in the histories of all countries.
Social inequality is different from economic inequality, though the two are linked. Economic inequality refers to disparities in the distribution of economic assets and income. While economic inequality is caused by the unequal accumulation of wealth, social inequality exists because the lack of wealth in certain areas prohibits these people from obtaining the same housing, health care, etc. as the wealthy, in societies where access to these social goods depends on wealth.
Social inequality is linked to racial inequality, gender inequality, and wealth inequality. The way people behave socially, through racism and other forms of discrimination, tends to trickle down and affect the opportunities and wealth individuals can generate for themselves. Thomas M. Shapiro presents a hypothetical example of this in his book, The Hidden Cost of Being African American, in which he tries to demonstrate the level of inequality on the "playing field for blacks and whites". One example he presents reports how a black family was denied a bank loan to use for housing, while a white family was approved. As being a homeowner is an important method in acquiring wealth, this situation created fewer opportunities for the black family to acquire wealth, producing social inequality.[1]
Forms of Social Inequality
Following are the major types or forms of social inequality.
Gender Inequality
One of the major forms of social inequality is gender inequality. The emphasis on gender inequality is borne out of the deepening division in the role assigned to male and female in all spheres of human endeavour, particularly in the economic, political and educational spheres. Gender discrimination and women’s development is a greatly discussed matter, even though sensitization regarding this subject is grossly ignored on the lower level. The gender and development approach through gender analysis, seeks to understand the roles, responsibilities, resources and priorities of women and men within a specific context, examining the social, economic and environmental factors which influence their roles and decision-making capacity. The practice of male-famale differentiation results in structural depriviation of the female life. [2]. Without a doubt, women’s strengthening industry and wisdom are humanities greatest untapped resource. It is potential we simply can’t afford to waste. Despite 117 countries having equal pay laws, women in every section and region continue to be paid between 10 to 30% less than men. [3]. Increase in feminization of the workforce appears to be a global phenomenon, but it has been pointed out that the increase in the female work participation has been taking place in low-paying and unprotected jobs, leading to a rise in the causalisation of the female workforce. Ensuring equal rights promotes a sense of belonging that motivates women to contribute to the society.
See also
References
- ^ Shapiro, Thomas M. "The Hidden Cost of Being African American." Oxford University Press 2004.
- ^ Issac Kwaka Acheampong and Sidharta Sarkar. Gender, Poverty & Sustainable Livelihood. p. 108.
- ^ Bachelet, Michelle (07/07/2011). "And Justice For All". Times Of Inidia, pg 16.
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Further reading
- Wilkinson, Richard; Pickett, Kate (2009). The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better. Allen Lane. ISBN 978-1846140396.