Week 12-2. Social inequality

1. Summary

Social inequality refers to another phenomenon, situation, caused by the non-equaly distribution of social resources. Opportunities for access to social resources vary by factors such as power, religion, family(a noble family or not), race, ethnicity, gender, age, and class. In other words, social inequality is caused by inequality in access opportunities. Most factors in social inequality are related to economic inequality, but social resources are also involved. Examples include differences in access chance to social systems, such as education and judicial systems, and differences in access chance to services such as health care, housing, transportation, and banking.
Most countries use the Gini coefficient to compare social inequality. It has a value between 0 and 1. In this case, the more it is to full equality, the closer it is to 0 and the more it is to full inequality, the closer it is to 1. 
Social inequality exists in most societies. Also, this is caused by a variety of structural factors, and it can also cause conflicts in various areas. Social inequality is affecting the overall structure of society, and it affects every aspect of social life, as well as opportunities for life. There are some examples of social inequality in reality. Examples include gender inequality, racial inequality, ethnic inequality, age inequality, and health inequality (differences in health care and medical access). Also, there is inequality on a global level, and there is a lot of inequality in areas that are geographically mired in poverty and disease compared to other regions.

2. Interesting

Inequality is not just only about income or economic factors. However, many social inequalities are directly or indirectly related to economic factors. For example, many causes of inequality due to social factors result in economic inequality. Therefore, they are not a problem that can be solved through one absolute solution. It would be important to find a solution through various factors.

3. Discussion

What is the number one priority task to address social inequality? Is it an economic solution? Or is it solution about awareness?



Written by Jaehoon Kim (김재훈)

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