Socioeconomic Status Kiara Bonds Capella University SWK 5002

Socioeconomic Statuskiara Bondscapella Universityswk5002 Sec03423202

Socioeconomic status (SES) refers to the combined social and economic indicators that define an individual's job history and social standing relative to others, often influenced by factors such as occupation, income, and education. SES categorizes individuals into three main groups: lower, middle, and upper classes. These variables significantly impact health outcomes, with lower SES linked to a higher prevalence of mental and physical health disorders due to limited resources, poor living conditions, and reduced access to quality healthcare and education.

Addressing socioeconomic disparities has become a focus of policy interventions aimed at improving health and social equity. A specific and historically significant example is the African American community in the United States, which has been disproportionately affected by socioeconomic discrimination. Due to systemic inequalities, African Americans often face inferior educational opportunities, racial discrimination, and limited access to quality healthcare and employment, resulting in adverse health and economic outcomes.

Discrimination faced by African Americans manifests in multiple domains including healthcare, education, and employment. In healthcare, segregation historically led to longer waiting times, differential treatment, and higher mortality rates among Black populations compared to White Americans (Lewis & Van Dyke, 2018). Educational disparities are evident in lower enrollment rates, inadequate resources, and fewer opportunities for higher education for African American youth, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social marginalization. Employment discrimination further restricts upward mobility, with qualified Black applicants often denied access to well-paying jobs due to racial bias, exacerbating economic inequalities (Davis, Wetherell & Henry, 2018).

These systemic challenges are unethical, violating fundamental principles of social justice and equality. Discriminatory practices such as healthcare segregation, denial of educational opportunities, and employment bias have contributed to chronic disparities in health, wealth, and social participation. The consequences include increased mental health issues, higher crime rates, and sustained economic hardship, which further entrench racial inequalities.

In response, various policies have been implemented with the aim of mitigating socioeconomic disparities and promoting social justice for African Americans. Healthcare reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), mandated universal health insurance coverage, reducing barriers to healthcare irrespective of race or income. The policy ensures that those with insurance can access healthcare without discrimination, leading to improvements in health outcomes (Assari et al., 2018). Civil rights legislation, exemplified by the Civil Rights Act, prohibites racial discrimination and promotes equal treatment in education, employment, and public services. The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president symbolized a milestone towards racial equality, boosting morale and providing a model of success for marginalized communities.

Employment laws have been strengthened to promote equal opportunities. Laws such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protect Black Americans from discrimination and guarantee fair hiring and wage practices (Bowman, Comer & Johns, 2018). These policies have transformed the socioeconomic landscape for many African Americans, allowing greater access to education, employment, and healthcare. As a result, there has been tangible progress in closing the gap between Black and White populations in social and health metrics.

Improvements in educational access have played a vital role. Policies advocating for equal schooling from primary to higher education have increased enrollment and graduation rates among Black youth. Education acts as a conduit for socioeconomic mobility, equipping individuals with skills and certifications necessary for competitive employment (Anywo et al., 2018). Higher education attainment has facilitated Black Americans’ entry into leadership roles within politics, business, and academia—roles that were historically inaccessible due to racial barriers.

Nevertheless, disparities persist, and continued advocacy is necessary. Education and health initiatives are essential for sustaining progress. Public awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of racial equality and the detrimental effects of stereotypes are vital. Recognizing achievements of Black Americans in various domains can challenge negative stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and inclusiveness (Assari et al., 2018). Furthermore, enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and accountability mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure compliance and justice for victims of racial bias.

In conclusion, policies addressing socioeconomic disparities for African Americans have led to substantial improvements in health, education, and economic opportunity. However, persistent inequalities require ongoing policy adjustments and community engagement. Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a crucial pathway toward a more just society where all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic background.

References

• Assari, S., Preiser, B., Lankarani, M. M., & Caldwell, C. H. (2018). Subjective socioeconomic status moderates the association between discrimination and depression in African American Youth. Brain Sciences, 8(4), 71.
• Anywo, N., Bañales, J., Rowley, S. J., Watkins, D. C., & Richards-Schuster, K. (2018). Sociocultural influences on the sociopolitical development of African American youth. Child Development Perspectives.
• Bowman, B., Comer, J., & Johns, D. (2018). Addressing the African American achievement gap: Three leading educators issue a call to action. Young Children, 73(2), 12-21.
• Davis, J., Wetherell, G., & Henry, P. J. (2018). Social devaluation of African Americans and race-related conspiracy theories. European Journal of Social Psychology, 48(7).
• Lewis, T. T., & Van Dyke, M. E. (2018). Discrimination and the health of African Americans: The potential importance of intersectionalities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27(3).
• United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). The Affordable Care Act and health equity. HHS Publications.
• United States Congress. (1964). Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public Law 88-352.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Equal access to quality education for all students. Educational Reports.
• Williams, D. R., Gonzalez, H. M., Neighbors, H., Nesse, R., Abelson, J. M., Sweetman, J., & Jackson, J. S. (2007). Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: results from the National Survey of American Life. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(3), 305-315.
• United Nations. (2018). Report on racial discrimination and social justice. UN Publications.