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College of St.

John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

College of Nursing

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirements in

GE 108 CONTEMPORARY WORLD

TERM PAPER

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Submitted by:

Dolfo, Juvic

Dela Cruz, Rica Mae B.

Submitted To:

Rey Niel T. Alavaren RN, LPT

Clinical Instructor

School Year: 2023-2024


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

I. INTRODUCTION

Inequalities in the society can be reduced by empowering people and ensuring

inclusiveness. Even though there have been important advances made since 2000 in

lifting people out of poverty, inequalities and large disparities still remain in income

and wealth, and also in access to food, healthcare, education, land, clean water, and

other resources essential for people to live a full and dignified life. Some societal

groups including those in rural areas, women, young people, people with disabilities,

indigenous people and others have persistently clustered at the bottom of

distributions. The real wage growth has been constantly declining since 2015. Also,

the warming climate, demographic change, decent work deficits, political crises,

technological change, and conflict risks are likely to exacerbate inequalities if actions

are not taken toward equality in both opportunities and outcomes. Education,

healthcare, job opportunities, basic commodities, and political participation needs to

be structured so that everyone can equally have access without prejudice.

The agenda to reduce inequality within and among countries –and its role in

advancing calls for an equitable, tolerant, open, and socially inclusive world in which

the needs of the most vulnerable are met. Venues for reducing inequality. Reducing

inequality in opportunities and outcomes features throughout in the 2030 Agenda.


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

II. BODY

Reducing inequality (World Bank 2019). Reducing inequalities is a crucial

component of achieving sustainable development.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology (p.286), inequality is

defined as "the unequal distribution of opportunities, rewards and power among and

between individuals, households and groups". Inequality within and among countries

is a persistent cause for concern. Despite some positive signs toward reducing

inequality in some dimensions, such as reducing relative income inequality in some

countries and preferential trade status benefiting lower-income countries, inequality

still persists. Wherein inequalities in income, education, healthcare, gender, and other

areas persist globally, posing significant challenges to social cohesion, economic

growth, and environmental sustainability.

This paper explores the concept of reduced inequalities and goal addresses

inequalities among countries and calls for support for safe migration and mobility of

people or/ examine their impacts on societies and economies, analyzes current efforts

and challenges in addressing them, and provides recommendations for future action.

Throughout the world, there are still differences in wealth, sex, age, disability, sexual

orientation, color, class, ethnicity, religion, and opportunity.

Long-term social and economic progress is threatened by inequality, which

also undermines efforts to reduce poverty and undermines people's feelings of


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

fulfillment and self-worth. Crime, illness, and environmental damage can then result

from this. We are not able to attain sustainable development could improve the world

for everyone if individuals are left out of the possibility of a better life.

Additionally, despite some encouraging developments, inequality is rising for

over 70% of the world's population, increasing the likelihood of conflicts and

impeding economic growth. and advancement in society. Moreover, COVID-19 is

primarily affecting the most vulnerable individuals and communities are frequently

subjected to more discrimination.

In sociology, there are two main questions concerning the distribution of

inequalities which are inequalities of outcomes (who gets what?) and inequalities of

opportunities (who does what?). From different fields will have different opinions

regarding which types of inequalities are more prominent than others.

Generally, these are the following types of inequalities includes income,

wealth, occupations, health, status, and legal and social rights. Besides highlighting

the various types of existing inequalities, examining how they operate differently

across multiple dimensions is important. Where inequality can be caused by

discrimination. We have multiple dimensions of inequality such as economic

inequality, racial and ethnic inequality, gender inequality, and disability

discrimination.
College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

Firstly, according to Karl Max and Max Weber, they believed that economic

and status inequalities (in the form of their relationship to the means of production)

characterize modern society, that a person's life chances are structurally determined

by their class position, which is literally true that leads to discrimination and poverty.

Secondly, inequality is the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities

in a given society.

Thirdly, ethnic minorities experience higher levels of poverty and are

therefore subjected to poorer levels of health, lower educational outcomes, and

vulnerability when it comes to poverty and unemployment.

Women face higher healthcare charges and more likely to suffer from non-

fatal, chronic conditions. While girls tend to perform better than boys at school, they

do not enjoy the same freedoms in the workplace. This is a result of the dual burden

of housework and career. The elderly have to work longer to sustain themselves, but

are vulnerable to unemployment as young workers are generally preferred. There is

also disability discrimination that people with disabilities face ableism in healthcare,

education, and work resulting in lower performance expectations, lower likelihood of

career advancements, and increased vulnerability to poverty.

As the case with other dimensions of inequality, illnesses are often

downplayed by medical health professionals when it comes to minority groups. As

such, people with disabilities often experience health disparities not because of their
College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

condition, but because of the inherent, unrecognized ableism of individuals and

institutions. Another common occurrence is that, even if they do obtain their degrees,

people with disabilities are often deterred from advancing in their careers due to

discrimination from employers.

This discrimination is prevalent in many forms, including: (1) a lack of anti-

discrimination laws, (2) issues of accessibility (such as wheelchair ramps), (3)

prejudiced hiring practices, (4) lower performance expectations, and (5) negative

stereotypes. According to Mike Oliver and Colin Barnes (2010) study the struggles

that people with disabilities face in finding meaningful inclusion in the workplace.

People with disabilities are much more vulnerable to poverty, as many only live on

government disability support.

It's extremely important not to forget that the various dimensions of inequality

intersect to create unique life chances and experiences. For example, a lower-class,

white woman with a disability will be subject to very different life chances than an

upper-class, Black man with no disability. So, let's remember to consider that these

social dimensions don't act alone - that experiences of inequality are complex and

should be studied as such.

Based on the studies, different dimensions of inequality affect people in their

cultural, economic, social, and political lives. Inequalities also impact people’s life
College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

chances in that they often have different levels of access to the opportunities and

resources that are valued by society. And inequality can be caused by discrimination

and structural disadvantages.

III. CONLUSION

Inequalities need to reduce within the country, and this will have a cascading

effect on reduction of inequalities worldwide. Warming climate, demographic change,

decent work deficits, political crises, technological change, and conflict risks are the

major contributors worsening world inequality scenario. inequality calls for an

equitable, tolerant, open, and socially inclusive world, a lot more efforts are required

at all fronts to effectively tackle it. Access to education, healthcare, job opportunities,

basic commodities, and political participation can considerably bridge the inequalities

in society. a key enabler to reduce inequalities. Education officials, policymakers,

educators, curriculum developers, and others are called upon globally to rethink

education and contribute to the achievement.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS

A diversified strategy that takes into account the many aspects of inequality is

needed to reduce inequality. The following are some recommendations across various

domains:
College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

 Policy interventions that apply progressive taxation policies to redistribute

wealth and reduce inequality;

 Enact legislation to ensure equal pay for equal work and eliminate wage gaps

based on gender and race;

 Expand access to quality education and healthcare for all, regardless of

socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability.

 Create targeted programs to address specific forms of inequality, such as youth

unemployment initiatives or disability accommodation funds.

 Strengthen labor laws to protect workers' rights and improve working

conditions, including workplace safety standards and minimum wage

regulations;

 Foster entrepreneurship and innovation in underserved communities by

providing access to startup capital, mentorship, and business incubation

services.

 Invest in job creation programs and vocational training initiatives to provide

opportunities for disadvantaged groups to enter the workforce.

 Ensure that economic development initiatives prioritize inclusive growth and

equitable distribution of resources, particularly in marginalized regions.

 Implement affirmative action programs to promote diversity and inclusion in

public services, employment, and education; and invest in social safety nets,

such as housing assistance, healthcare subsidies, and unemployment benefits,

to support vulnerable populations.


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

 Improve access to justice for marginalized groups by providing legal aid

services, facilitating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and reducing

barriers to court proceedings.

 Strengthen anti-discrimination laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect

the rights of vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators of discrimination

accountable.

 Advocate for fair trade practices, debt relief, and development assistance

programs that benefit low-income countries and marginalized populations.

 Provide anti-discrimination training for educators, employers, healthcare

providers, and other professionals to combat stereotypes and biases.


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

V. GLOSSARY

Fair Taxation - A system of taxation that aims to distribute the tax burden equitably

based on individuals' ability to pay, often by implementing progressive tax rates were

higher-income individuals pay a larger proportion of their income in taxes.

Equal Pay Laws - Legislation that mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of

gender, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics, aiming to eliminate wage

disparities between different demographic groups.

Labor Regulations - Rules and standards set by governments to protect workers'

rights, ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and regulate aspects of

employment such as wages, hours, and benefits.

Affirmative Action Programs - Policies and initiatives designed to address historical

discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion by giving preferential treatment to

underrepresented groups in areas such as employment, education, and contracting.

Diversity and Inclusion - The practice of recognizing, respecting, and valuing

differences among individuals and groups, including differences in race, ethnicity,


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and socioeconomic status, with the goal of

creating environments where everyone feels respected and included.

Anti-Discrimination Training - education and awareness programs aimed at

reducing biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors by providing individuals

with knowledge, skills, and strategies to promote equality and respect for diversity.

Local Initiatives and Organizations - Grassroots efforts and community-based

groups working to address social issues and improve the well-being of local

communities through advocacy, service delivery, and community development

projects.

Collaboration - cooperative efforts among different stakeholders, including

government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members,

to achieve common goals and address complex social challenges through shared

resources, expertise, and decision-making.

Empowerment - is the process of enabling individuals and communities to gain

control over their lives, make informed choices, and take collective action to improve

their circumstances and address systemic barriers to equality and justice.


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

Job Opportunities - Employment prospects and openings available to individuals

seeking work are often created through economic development initiatives, job training

programs, and public-private partnerships aimed at stimulating job growth and

reducing unemployment.

Vocational Training - education and skill-building programs designed to prepare

individuals for specific occupations or trades, providing them with the knowledge,

competencies, and credentials needed to succeed in the workforce.

Entrepreneurship - is the practice of starting, owning, and operating one's own

business venture, often characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and creativity, with

the potential to generate economic opportunities, create jobs, and drive social change.

Anti-Discrimination Laws - legal statutes and regulations that prohibit

discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin,

religion, sex, age, disability, or other factors in various contexts such as employment,

housing, education, and public accommodations.

Access to Justice - The principle that all individuals should have equal opportunities

to seek and obtain remedies for legal grievances and access to fair and impartial legal

processes, regardless of their socioeconomic status, identity, or circumstances.


College of St. John – Roxas
Member: Association of LASSSAI- Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

Sustainable Development - Development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often

focusing on balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental

stewardship to achieve long-term prosperity and well-being.

Fair Trade - A trading partnership based on principles of equity, transparency, and

respect, aiming to empower marginalized producers and workers in developing

countries by ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental

sustainability in the production and sale of goods

VI. REFERENCES

AfDB (2019) Article on African Development Bank’s digital skills training benefits

women published on African Development Bank (AfDB). 13 Dec 2019.

https://www.afdb.org/en/success-stories/african-development-banks-digital-skills-

training-benefits-women-33223. Accessed 4 Jul 2020

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/inequality/

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