Globally, the society is always concerned about issues of privileges, oppression, and justice. Essentially, when any social inequality is addressed, much focus relates to how certain groups of people are disadvantaged, mistreated, and discriminated (Goodman, 2011). Apparently, much concern is put on how members of a certain group are privileged because they belong either to a particular gender or race. However, an equal significance aspect is how members of the same group become more privileged than others. This issue will form the context of my discussion. In particular, I will analyze how the concept of privilege is manifested by ability, status, the level of education, and religion.
Education
Access to higher levels of education confers with it some of the privileges. At first, I kept on thinking to myself that education is a right; later, I realized that it is indeed a privilege as well. Though we all have an equal right to education as stipulated in the constitution, I was privileged to be admitted to a very good school having highly qualified teachers and quality facilities. The same applied when it came to selecting my future occupation and career choice. Having acquired quality education from one of the highly recognized institutions, I was in a position to get a better-paying job. Ideally, the disclosure of my occupation and level of education creates a perception that I am in the right or unbiased even when exposed to a law enforcement institution. I notice that people are usually careful with their language expression and grammar around me.
Ability
Being able-bodied and without having any physical or mental disability is a privilege. People with various disabilities are denied various societal contributions, activities and job opportunities, even when those roles are for those with the same disability (Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2005). Since I don’t have any physical or mental disability, my employer won’t hesitate to employ me. I do not have to hide, or disguise any aspect of my identity so I won’t be mistreated. Also, I can comfortably use public amenities, buildings, and transportation systems.
Status
Status can be well elaborated in the context of economic status and social status, both of which provide privilege. It can be assessed in regards to access to opportunities. For instance, I am able and can adequately afford to live in a nice house, pay for my food, and clothing. I can afford to travel internationally for pleasure. I can acquire the job of my choice; also, the job that I do is highly valued and regarded in the society. My social class and positive images of individuals from my class are highly represented in mainstreams of the society like social media, newspaper, and other social platforms. As well, I can study any course at any institution in any part of the world. Owing to my social class, am sure that I will have an advantage when seeking any legal or medical assistance. Most importantly, I deserve any job over someone with similar experience.
Religion
Quite often, we claim that our constitution guarantees the freedom of religion, which implies to having the right to choose and practice our faith. Nevertheless, religious privileges have been manifested in various intuitions and society settings. My religion places in a systemic religious dominance over my other colleagues who are followers of other religions (Bell, 1997)
Conclusion
Notably, while looking at the contexts of various privileges in the society, we realize how people from the same group get privileges emanating from individual behavior, cultural values and norms and intuitional policies. The privileged group establishes various standards and norms from which other members of the same groups are judged and prejudiced.
References
Bell, L. A. (1997). Theoretical Foundations for Social Justice Education. Teaching for diversity and social justice, (30), 3–15.
Goodman, D. (2011). Promoting Diversity and Social Justice: Educating People from Privileged Groups (2nd ed,). New York, NY: Routledge.
