What do you mean by ‘structural inequality’?
by Doug Belshaw • August 9, 2011 • FAQ • 3 Comments
I’ve been debating on Twitter the reasons for the various riots that are currently plaguing our country. Whilst I’m absolutely in agreement at the shocking and criminal behaviour of (predominantly) young people, I think there’s a wider problem that’s not being acknowledged.
That wider problem is structural inequality.
“Structural inequality has been identified as the bias that is built into the structure of organizations, institutions, governments or, social networks. Structural inequality occurs when the fabric of organizations, institutions, governments or social networks contain an embedded bias which provides advantages for some members and marginalizes or produces disadvantages for other members. This can involve property rights, status, or unequal access to health care, housing, education and other physical or financial resources or opportunities.…Social inequality occurs when certain groups in a society do not have equall social status. Aspects of social status involve property rights, voting rights, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, access to health care, and education as well as many other social commodities.” (Wikipedia)
What saddens me is the seeming inability of people to separate the criminal behaviour (i.e. the rioting and looting) from the plight of the rioter. I have to question whether such people have ever lived with and amongst the deprived of society or, in fact, know their history. 
I agree that structural inequality has a *part* to play but there is an overwhelming sense of naked materialism that has driven these ‘riots’ or ‘dutty thiefs’ as my Grandma described them yesterday. I would also say that the structural inequality line can hide individual choice.
Absolutely, Nick – as historians we know there’s always long and short term causes! I do, however, think that structural inequality is the *proximate* cause of what we’re seeing.
Structure/Agent debate – I would also suggest that the agents help recreate the structure in some instances and I would also say there are structures and there are structures!