Structural Inequality

Definition

Structural inequality refers to the systemic and institutional barriers that create and perpetuate unequal access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes for different social groups within a society. It is deeply rooted in the structures, policies, and practices that shape the distribution of power, wealth, and privilege.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structural inequality is deeply embedded in the social, economic, and political systems that shape our society, often perpetuating the marginalization of certain groups.
2. Addressing structural inequality requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of disparities, including the examination and reform of policies, institutions, and power structures.
3. Intersectionality is crucial in understanding how different forms of oppression and discrimination intersect and compound the experiences of marginalized individuals and communities.
4. Institutional discrimination, such as in the education, healthcare, or criminal justice systems, can contribute to and maintain structural inequalities.
5. Social stratification, the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society, is a key driver of structural inequality and the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

Review Questions

• Explain how structural inequality is manifested in the context of intersections of inequality (Topic 9.3).
  • Structural inequality is deeply rooted in the intersections of various forms of oppression, such as race, class, gender, and others. These intersections create unique and compounded experiences of disadvantage and marginalization for individuals and communities. For example, a low-income woman of color may face barriers in accessing quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities due to the interplay of her gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Addressing structural inequality requires an intersectional approach that recognizes and tackles the complex web of systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups.
• Describe how the field of anthropology has addressed inequities within the discipline (Topic 9.4).
  • Anthropology, as a discipline, has historically been complicit in perpetuating structural inequalities through its own practices and perspectives. Anthropologists have recognized the need to critically examine the field's colonial legacies, the underrepresentation of marginalized voices, and the ways in which anthropological research and methods have contributed to the marginalization of certain communities. Efforts to address these inequities within anthropology include diversifying the field, decolonizing anthropological knowledge, and centering the perspectives and experiences of historically excluded groups. This ongoing work aims to transform anthropology into a more inclusive, equitable, and socially engaged discipline that can better understand and address structural inequalities.
• Analyze how the concept of structural inequality can be applied to understand and address systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.
  • Structural inequality is a crucial lens for understanding and addressing the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. By examining the ways in which social, economic, and political structures and institutions perpetuate unequal access to resources, opportunities, and power, we can identify the root causes of disparities and develop targeted interventions. This may involve reforming policies, challenging discriminatory practices, and redistributing resources to create more equitable outcomes. Addressing structural inequality requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration across sectors, the inclusion of marginalized voices, and a sustained commitment to dismantling the entrenched systems of oppression that maintain social stratification and the unequal distribution of power and privilege.

Related terms

Intersectionality:

The understanding that various forms of inequality, such as race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and others, intersect and overlap, creating unique experiences of disadvantage and marginalization.

Institutional Discrimination: The differential treatment of individuals or groups by social institutions (e.g., education, healthcare, criminal justice system) based on their membership in a particular social group, often resulting in unequal outcomes.

Social Stratification:

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society based on factors such as wealth, income, status, and power, leading to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.