The concept of equality has been an important part of many cultures and societies for centuries. It is often seen as a fundamental right, a core value of fairness and justice, and something that should be pursued for all people regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or socioeconomic standing.
Despite these ideals, there are still significant disparities and discriminations present in everyday life that can make it challenging for some individuals to experience true equality. In this article, we will explore how the moral principle of equality relates to the lived experiences of those who have been denied that equality, focusing specifically on four different areas: access to education, employment, healthcare, and political representation. We will also discuss possible solutions to address these issues and promote greater equality in our communities.
Access to Education
One area where the lack of equality is particularly evident is in access to quality education. This issue is especially relevant when considering marginalized groups such as women, people of color, low-income families, and LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face various barriers to educational opportunities due to systemic racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia.
Studies have shown that students from low-income backgrounds are less likely to attend college than their wealthier peers due to factors like financial aid availability, academic support, and cultural capital. Women and girls are also underrepresented in STEM fields and face higher rates of sexual harassment and assault on campus.
Transgender and nonbinary students often struggle with access to appropriate restroom facilities and inclusion in sports teams, while queer and questioning youth can feel unsafe expressing their identities within educational institutions. These experiences demonstrate how social inequality can manifest even in what should be a level playing field, creating long-term effects that can persist into adulthood.
To address these disparities, policymakers must invest more resources into public education systems that are equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality teaching, up-to-date technology, and relevant curriculum materials. Schools should also provide comprehensive training for educators on topics related to diversity and inclusion, including unconscious bias, microaggressions, and trauma-informed care.
Universities must prioritize recruitment efforts towards underserved communities and offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance to make education more accessible for everyone.
Employment Opportunities
Another area where equality is lacking is the workplace, where individuals may experience discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability status, and other factors. This can take many forms, such as hiring practices that favor certain groups over others, pay gaps between men and women doing the same job, or barriers to promotion based on personal characteristics.
Research has shown that people with visible disabilities are less likely to be hired than able-bodied candidates due to stereotypes about their capabilities. Similarly, Black and Latinx workers often earn lower wages than white counterparts despite having similar levels of education and experience. LGBTQ+ individuals also face discrimination when seeking employment, as some companies still exclude them from benefits packages or allow harassment in the workplace.
To create greater equality in this arena, businesses should adopt policies that promote fairness and transparency, such as standardized hiring processes, mandatory anti-discrimination training, and clear career pathways for all employees.
Government agencies could enforce stricter regulations around wage parity and workplace protections to protect marginalized workers. Lastly, individuals can advocate for themselves by speaking up against injustices they encounter and seeking out inclusive organizations that value diversity and equity.
Healthcare Access
Healthcare access is another critical issue affecting equality, particularly for those living in underserved communities who do not have easy access to medical care due to cost, geography, language barriers, or cultural stigma. Studies show that racial minorities, immigrants, low-income families, and individuals without insurance coverage are more likely to die prematurely from preventable illnesses like cancer or heart disease. They may also lack access to mental health services, prenatal care, or other essential treatments due to systemic racism or economic hardship.
Rural areas with limited public transportation options may have fewer hospitals and clinics available, making it harder for residents to receive quality care. This disparity has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, where marginalized groups were disproportionately impacted by a lack of resources and information.
One solution would be for policymakers to expand Medicaid eligibility to cover more people and increase funding for community health centers serving vulnerable populations. Insurance providers must ensure affordability and transparency regarding costs while providing culturally appropriate services that meet individual needs.
Healthcare professionals should undergo mandatory training on cultural competence and trauma-informed care to better serve diverse patients.
Individuals can advocate for their own wellbeing through self-advocacy efforts, such as attending appointments regularly and seeking out trustworthy sources of information.
Political Representation
Political representation is another area where equality can be lacking, particularly in terms of gender, race, and socioeconomic status. While women make up over half of the population, they hold just one-third of elected positions globally. People of color represent around 40% of the US but only around 25% of Congress. Similarly, working-class citizens often feel unheard by politicians who prioritize wealthier constituents with greater financial resources and influence. These dynamics can create policies that do not reflect the interests or needs of all communities equally, leading to further inequality down the line.
To promote greater equity in politics, we must encourage more diverse candidates to run for office and support them once elected. This could involve reforms like ranked choice voting, campaign finance reform
How does the moral principle of equality relate to the lived experiences of those denied that equality?
The moral principle of equality is related to the lived experiences of those denied it through the creation of an environment of social stratification and power dynamics. Individuals who are denied access to equal opportunities and resources due to their marginalized identities may experience feelings of frustration, helplessness, and hopelessness as they struggle to overcome systemic barriers.