Factors which may Influence Access to Life Chances and Power

Social class is a significant determinant of an individual’s life chances, with those in higher classes typically having better opportunities.
Higher social classes often have better access to quality education, leading to higher qualifications and better job prospects.
Wealth can impact a person’s ability to access good healthcare or live in safer neighbourhoods, which affects both life quality and longevity.
Poverty, often associated with lower class status, can limit access to resources and opportunities, resulting in negative life outcomes.

Racial and ethnic disparities can affect an individual’s opportunities in society, known as racial stratification.
Discrimination and prejudice can create barriers to education, employment, and housing for different racial or ethnic groups.
Minority groups may experience systemic racism, which can have a profound impact on their overall life chances.
However, it’s essential to consider intersectionality, as race might intersect with class, gender, or other factors, and exacerbate disadvantages.

Gender plays a pivotal role in access to opportunities and resources, with males often having societal advantages.
The gender pay gap demonstrates inequality, with women typically earning less than men for similar work.
Females may face barriers in accessing education in some societies, limiting their employment prospects.
Mothers often experience discrimination in the workplace, known as the motherhood penalty, which reduces overall economic prospects.

Age can significantly influence an individual’s access to opportunities, with discrimination often affecting both young and old people.
Young people may be restricted in their job prospects due to a lack of experience, while older adults face ageism in the job market.
Older adults may also have limited access to resources, including healthcare and social services.
Children born in low-income families often have reduced life chances, illustrating the impact of age combined with other factors.

Disability can limit access to various life opportunities, including education and employment.
Societal attitudes and prejudices against disabled people can lead to social exclusion or discriminatory practices.
Infrastructure and public services are not always accessible for people with disabilities, limiting their range of opportunities.
Public policies and legislation can improve access to services for disabled individuals but their implementation varies and is not always effective.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation can limit individuals’ life chances in society.
LGBTQ+ people may face barriers such as prejudice, discrimination, or violence, which can limit equal access to opportunities.
Homophobia and transphobia in particular can impact these individuals’ mental health, employment, and housing opportunities.
Laws protecting against discrimination vary widely and are not always effectively enforced.