Equality/Inequality in Relation to Class, Gender, Ethnicity, Age, Disability and Sexuality

Social class inequality is linked to economic disparities between individuals in society.
The bourgeoisie or upper classes often have access to better opportunities and resources, such as quality education and healthcare, compared to the lower classes or proletariat.
Inequality can manifest in disparities in income, wealth, and employment opportunities.
Marxists believe that this class struggle is an inherent feature of capitalism, which facilitates the exploitation of the working class by the ruling class.

Gender inequality relates to differential treatment or opportunities afforded to individuals based on their gender.
It can manifest in various aspects of life such as employment (e.g., wage gap), education, and family roles.
Feminism addresses the systematic inequalities faced by women in society, with different strands (liberal, radical, intersectional) offering varying perspectives and remedies.
Evidence of gender inequality can be seen in phenomena such as the glass ceiling in professions, the unequal division of unpaid work, and gendered violence.

Ethnic inequality refers to differences in treatment or opportunities for individuals based on their ethnic background.
It can be demonstrated in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice systems.
Racial discrimination and systemic racism contribute significantly to ethnic inequalities, which often intersect with class and gender inequalities.
Ethnic inequalities have historical roots, often linked to colonialism and its enduring impact.

Age inequality or ageism manifests when individuals are treated differently based on their age.
Typically, it is the younger and older members of society who experience discrimination, including limited work opportunities, poor health care, and social isolation.
Age discrimination can also present in the form of stereotypes, presumptions, and patronising attitudes.
Ageism intersects with other forms of inequality, impacting differently based on one’s class, gender, ethnicity, and other factors.

Disability inequality refers to barriers to opportunities and resources for individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional impairments.
These inequalities can be seen in sectors such as education, employment, and accessibility to public spaces and services.
Societal attitudes, stereotypes, and lack of understanding can further contribute to disability inequality.
The social model of disability argues that disability is actually caused by the way society is organised, as opposed to the individual’s impairment.

Sexuality-related inequality often refers to differential treatment based on one’s sexual orientation.
Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia contribute to the marginalisation and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rights on issues such as same-sex marriage, adoption, and workplace discrimination vary widely worldwide, reflecting these inequalities.
Queer Theory, a perspective that challenges heteronormativity, seeks to investigate these systematic inequalities and challenge them.