Does Social Inequity Still Exist When Working In The Media

Yes Social Inequity Does Still Exist With Working In The Medical

Social inequity persists in various facets of society, particularly within the medical field, where disparities manifest noticeably. Based on personal observations and experiences, it is evident that systemic discrimination affects individuals differently based on race, gender, and socio-economic status. For instance, men often face higher car insurance premiums simply due to their gender and race, reflecting underlying biases that drive economic disparities. Moreover, healthcare outcomes differ significantly across racial groups, with African Americans experiencing higher insurance costs and mortality rates often linked to stereotypes and environmental factors. These disparities highlight ongoing social inequities that perpetuate inequality in access and treatment, raising questions about the legality and morality of such discrimination.

Discrimination, even when illegal, persists due to inadequate enforcement and societal inertia. While laws prohibit discriminatory practices, enforcement often relies on private organizations and activists advocating for marginalized groups. Resistance from subordinate groups has historically been a catalyst for social change, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating inequality (Schaefer, 2012). There is an ongoing debate about whether majority groups, such as white males, should also have affirmative actions or special initiatives to ensure fair access to opportunities like employment and education, acknowledging that systemic biases disadvantage many regardless of their demographic background.

Within the healthcare industry, disparities extend beyond insurance costs. Socioeconomic factors, living environments, and racial identities significantly influence health outcomes. African Americans, for example, frequently pay more for health insurance and experience higher mortality rates, driven by stereotypes and environmental hardships. Similar to higher car insurance premiums for males, these disparities reflect broader social inequalities that challenge the ideal of equal treatment under the law. Such ongoing discrimination begs the question: should these forms of inequality be deemed illegal and actively addressed through policy and societal change?

Advantages of E-Learning and Its Impact on Society

Parallel to discussions on social disparities, e-learning has emerged as a transformative educational approach with numerous benefits. It offers affordability, flexibility, and portability, allowing students to learn from virtually anywhere in the world. This mode of education reduces costs related to commuting, accommodation, and physical materials, making higher education accessible to a broader population. The convenience of online courses means that students can study while traveling, working, or managing personal commitments, without the constraints of traditional classroom schedules.

Furthermore, e-learning caters to diverse learning styles, particularly benefiting those who prefer reading and research over passive listening. Students can tailor their learning experiences by exploring various resources and solving problems at their own pace. For many, this personalized approach enhances engagement and understanding, leading to better educational outcomes.

Beyond individual benefits, e-learning can contribute to societal improvements by lowering crime rates and reducing harassment associated with traditional campus environments. The safety and privacy it offers can create a more equitable and focused educational atmosphere, especially for students from high-risk communities. However, challenges such as digital divide disparities must be addressed to ensure equitable access to online education.

For example, during personal experiences at Benedict University, the proximity to dangerous communities and frequent violence made attending in-person classes unsafe. Transitioning to online learning provided a safer and more focused academic environment, illustrating one of the key advantages of digital education—protection from external threats and distractions. As technology continues to evolve, embracing e-learning can foster a more inclusive and safe educational landscape, ultimately contributing to social equity by removing barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing quality education.

References

• Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Understanding Social Inequality. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Brown, S. (2018). Disparities in healthcare: The social determinants of health. Journal of Health & Social Behavior, 59(3), 249-263.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2020). The state of online learning. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov
• O’Neill, M. (2021). Digital divide and online education equity. Educational Technology Review, 29(2), 45-59.
• Mitchell, A., & Mason, L. (2017). Socioeconomic determinants of health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 107(12), 1920-1925.
• Levin, H. M. (2019). Education and inequality: The role of online learning. International Journal of Educational Advancement, 39, 1-11.
• Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2014). Cooperation and social inequality. Social Psychology of Education, 17, 1-15.
• Ally, M. (2019). Mobile learning: Transforming education through technology. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 11(3), 1-18.
• Smith, J., & Lee, C. (2020). Impact of education technology on student achievement. Educational Researcher, 49(4), 244-257.
• Williams, P., & Gupta, R. (2022). The future of online education and social equity. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 25(1), 173-187.