First of all, it is essential to define the term of inequality to understand the deep-seated roots causing it and the corresponding dynamics, in other words, the primary reasons and the effects of it. In this writing, I will analyze that one’s family financial background matters; also, sex and place of birth play a significant role in exposure to inequality throughout life by focusing on education.
In the broadest sense, inequality may be described as unequal distribution in economic, social, and cultural resources, leading to a hierarchical ranking by nature, as Habibis (2009) claims. The socio-economic aspect, meaning the income of the family, is one of the most influential dimensions shaping the chances of accessing opportunities, according to Warwick-Booth (2013).
At this point, I believe it is important to stress that when an infant is born, he cannot choose the family and the correlating economic capital they possess. With this in mind, it is possible to say that this unequal access to economic resources is connected to the family background. So, due to those financial circumstances, some individuals are disadvantaged and vulnerable. They experience the absence of economic opportunities starting in the early years, regardless of their own decisions, as is successfully highlighted in the statement.
To support this argument, it is relevant to share the study by UNICEF (2019). Specifically, everything else being equal, children aged 15 with high economic status are more likely to pursue higher education than those with low financial positions. So, the family’s financial background, as mentioned above, does affect a very significant aspect of one’s life, which is education. For instance, when one child’s parents have sufficient economic power, they are more likely to continue their education. Further, it is meaningful to refer to the article by Dubow (2009), acknowledging that potential parental economic factors affect the child’s education success caused by inequality.
Another significant origin of inequality is the child’s gender. There can be diverse unequal conditions due to sex, such as uneven access to education. According to Save the Children (2021), girls living in countries influenced by conflict are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys.
Lastly, the adolescent’s birth location is decisive. For example, when the child is not born in a residence where high-quality learning is provided, he is disadvantaged and exposed to inequality regarding the attendance to an adequate education. Even in general, the areas of humans in poverty will sustain that way until resources and services are introduced despite education—the place of birth impacts other very primary resources, such as fresh drinking water.
In conclusion, various inequalities concerning diverse dimensions interlinked to the family’s economic circumstances are also reinforced with the factor of gender and location of birth. According to Spicker (2020), this results in differences and denial of necessary opportunities and resources for individuals; likewise, this paper emphasizes this. In the end, I believe in the equality of everyone, regardless of their family economic circumstances, gender, or place of birth.
References
Dubow, E. F., Boxer, P., & Huesmann, L. R. (2009). Long-term effects of parents’ education on children’s educational and occupational success: Mediation by family interactions, child aggression, and teenage aspirations. Merrill-Palmer quarterly (Wayne State University. Press), 55(3), 224.
Habibis D. and M. Walter (2009) ‘Social Inequality: A Short History of an Idea,’ in Social Inequality in Australia: Discourses, Realities, and Futures. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press.
Save the children. (2021). Gender Discrimination: Inequality Starts in Childhood. Retrieved from https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-gender-discrimination-impacts-boys-and-girls
Spicker, P. (2020) ‘Inequality,’ in The Poverty of Nations: A Relational Perspective. Bristol: Policy Press. (pp. 67-76)
Unicef. (2019). An unfair start: Inequality in children’s education in rich countries. United Nations.
Warwick-Booth, L. (2013) ‘The Global Social Policy Arena and Inequality’, in Social Inequality. London: Sage (pp. 144-165)
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