Breaking News: Education System Under Fire for Inequality and Discrimination

   Introduction:

In the era when the world is making progress rapidly and coming close as a global village education system is one of most important institutions forming the future generation. Education works as base of social progress economic development and individual growth.  However under the surface of this great mission there is a dark reality. Inequality and discrimination are found in the education system of around the world. Which for the students belonging from different backgrounds are a dangerous cause in achieving opportunities and the results. In this article the current state of education will be explored by delving into the root causes of inequality and discrimination their impact on society and applicable solutions to address these issues.

 

The Scope of Inequality in   Education:

Educational inequality is not a new thing but it has been there since decades. This problem is due to following issues;

 :- Lack of funding.

 :- Lack of resources.

 :- Quality of instruction.

 :- Student outcomes.

For example the schools of elite class society are granted more funds and resources because of this they can provide high quality education as compare to the school in a lower class community. This educational inequality creates a big space in education field which often turns into long-term societal and economical discrimination.

 

Socioeconomic Disparities:

The most prominent form of educational inequality is based on socioeconomic status. The students from low income families are compelled to join the schools that are underfunded and understaffed. There may be lack of fundamental  resources in these schools such as  text books, laboratory equipment and cocurricular activities which are a key factor for a quality education. Moreover these students face challenges out of school such as;

  :- Food insecurity.

  :- Lack of hostel facilities.

  :- Lack of healthcare facilities.

  These have a negative impact on their studies and academic performance.

 

 

 Racial and Ethnic Disparities:

Another major problem in education is racial and ethnic discrimination. The students from minority racial and ethnic groups are not given a chance to get education in the reputed educational institutions rather they are enforced to join low quality educational institutions. These students often face the problem of less attention of teachers and administrators. Because of this they are unable to achieve their desired goals. Moreover the act of inequality in education such as;

 :- Racial profiling.

 :- Biased disciplinary actions.

Increase the educational divide which makes it very difficult for minority students to achieve their educational goals.

 

 Gender Disparities:

Another issue in education has been noticed in recent year is gender inequality. Though in recent years girls education has been made possible but still in many parts of the world girls are not allowed to go to schools.  Following their cultural norms they force the girls for early marriage and some times they are compelled to earn through labor. Even in developed countries there is gender biases in;

:- Subject choices.

:- Some careers.

 Which limit opportunities for girls particularly in the fields such as; 

:- Science.

:-  Technology.

:-  Mathematics.

 

The Impact of Inequality on Society:

The results of inequality in education are far-reaching which not only affect individuals but the society as whole. When some groups are denied to access equal educational opportunities it creates the following problems;

 :- Poverty.

 :- Social stratification.

 :- Economic disparity.

And these problems are a big hurdle for a society to develop well in the rapidly changing educational environment of the world.

 

 Economic Consequences:

There are significant implications of inequality in education. When a larger part of population is deprived from the basic right of quality education or they are not prepared for the workforce then economic growth and productivity is impossible. This is a commonly accepted truth in this economic based educational world where the skilled workforce is highly in demand. The countries which cannot remove educational inequality or disparities may harm themselves or a competitive disadvantage on the global stage. They are struggling to develop a skilled man power make innovation and economic progress.

 

 Social Consequences:

When there are no equal opportunities for education it harms the social harmony and increases the division in society because the social consequences of educational inequality are very deep. Educational disparities often result in segregated communities where people from different socioeconomic backgrounds have very little interaction among them. This can promote;

:- Mistrust.

:- Prejudice.

:- Social tensions.

Which contributes to a broken society. Moreover the educational inequality can be dangerous in the sense that the people who attain low quality education can not have economic progress. And because of this poverty transfers from one generation to the other.

   

 Political Consequences:

When in an educational system some groups are deprived from getting education systematically it becomes the main cause of political disenfranchisement and a lack of representation because educational inequality has deep and important political consequences. This results in policies and decisions that further increase inequality by creating a vicious cycle. Then a large part of population feels that the education system is unfair they don’t trust public institutions and it can create a social complexity and unrest.

 

The Root Causes of Inequality and Discrimination in Education:

The root causes of educational inequality and discrimination require a deep understanding and passion to resolve them. These causes are very complex and multiple forms as;

:- Historical.

:-  Social.

:- Economical.

:- Political.

 

Historical Factors:

 

The disparities we see or observe in education today most of them are related to the injustices in the past. For example in the United States the policies;

:- Legacy of segregation, and

:- Discriminatory; such as

:- Redlining

Have had a long lasting impact on education system.  These practices increased the poverty in some communities. And because of this the schools are underfunded and performing low. In the same way in some other parts of the world colonialism and systemic racism have created deep-seated inequalities that are still effecting the educational outcomes.

 

 Social and Cultural Factors:

 

 

Social and cultural factors are also playing an important role in raising the educational inequality. In some superstitious communities students are treated in a strange way for example in some communities girls are not allowed to opt some specific subjects which the boys can, similarly the minority students are being considered out casted and labelled as underachievers. Moreover in some communities girls are deprived from education as in tribal areas where people think it bad for girls to be educated. And in some other communities where children are forced to work from their early age.

 

 Economic Factors:

 

Economic disparities are a big factor of educational inequality. The funding of schools is often connected to local tax collections which means the elite class areas from where the high tax is collected are provided the education system and schools with all the equipments necessary for a quality education.  But on the other side the schools in poor areas don’t have all the resources to ensure quality education for the localities where they are located. This creates a visible gap in education standard which the students get on the base of their socioeconomic status. Furthermore economic disparities in out side school life, the lack of healthcare facilities and low income can increase the educational inequality more.

 

 Political Factors:

 

Though it is said that education is free from politics but in real the political factors have a big influence on educational inequality. In many countries educational policies are made keeping the political interest in mind. Some groups are favoured to get quality education sothat they can be used for personal gain in future and on the other hand some groups are deprived from quality education sothat they can be suppressed easily. The best example of this is that the funds and resources are provided based on political considerations rather than need and this lead to unequal access to education. Moreover valid evaluation and the choice of school can have unintended consequences which are a great cause of inequality in education.

 

Discrimination in Education: A Persistent Challenge:

Educational inequality is a result of system that make education policy. Discrimination is a direct and personal injustice which students face. There are many forms of discrimination in education which based on;

:- Racial,

:- Ethnic,

:-  Gender,

:- Disability.

Let’s discuss them in detail.

 

Racial and Ethnic Discrimination:

Ethnic discrimination and racism is a major problem that affects the students of minority class. This discrimination is of different forms as;

:- Biased disciplinary actions.

:-  Lower expectations from teachers.

:- Lack of culturally relevant curriculum.

The chances of separation from educational system are more for the students who face discrimination in education.  Because of this there are less educational achievements and the cases of leaving schools are more.

 

 Gender Discrimination:

Though the girls now having more opportunities of quality education but still the educational gender discrimination Is a big problem which is being faced by the female students all over the world. They have to face many hundreds in some faculties e.g.

:- Science.

:- Technology.

:- Economics.

:-Mathematics.

They are discouraged by the concept of thinking that they can’t perform well in these subjects as compare to male students. They have to face social and cultural pressure in many parts of the world that limit their access to education.

 

 Disability Discrimination:

This is my first hand or primary experience as I myself is a special ( disable) person . I will share my own experience here in this section but let me explain an overall opinion first. Disable students face significant hurdles while having an access to the quality education.  Educational discrimination against disabled students can be of many forms as;

:- Lack of accommodations.

:- Inadequate support services.

:-Negative attitude of teachers and fellow students.

These hurdles prevent the students with disabilities from completely participating in educational activities.  That’s why they can not perform well and have low academic achievements and less opportunities for social and economic development. I was affected by PPP and lost lower body energy to walk. But my parents especially my mother encouraged me and motivated me to face the challenge and getting higher education to compete the world. I started my school career as a special person having loving teachers and fellows. They always gave me priority while doing curricular and co curricular activities. I got higher education and a respectful social status. But I faced educational discrimination at many stages. I have taught thousands of students who are performing their duties in many fields successfully. The purpose of mentioning all this here to point out that the discriminations must be removed from educational policies and make it equal for all. Because it is possible that a person with disabilities can be beneficial for the society more than a normal person.

 

Solutions to Address Inequality and Discrimination in Education:

For removing inequality and discrimination in education it is very important to have a high approach that must involves;

   :- Policy changes.

   :- Teacher training.

   :- Community engagement.

   :- Commitment to equity.

 

Policy Reforms:

 

Policy reforms are very necessary to address the inequality in education and educational discrimination. Governments must provide enough funds for schools on priority basis it is the responsibility of every government to make sure that the resources are granted on need rather than political influences. Such policies should be formed out that can ensure the elimination of discrimination from education system. Such as biased policies and actions.  Minority students must be given proper educational facilities. Providing equal opportunity for all including the students with disabilities.

 

Teacher Training and Professional Development:

Teachers are role model of students. Students always follow the life pattern of their teachers not only in studying career but after the completion of their education in practical life. Teachers play a role in shaping their pupils experiences. Teachers must be aware of the individual differences of students therefore they must be trained well professionally sothat they can eliminate educational inequality and discrimination in the classroom. Their training should include;

   :- Cultural competency.

   :- Implicit bias.

   :- Inclusive teaching practices.

By providing the teachers professional courses, proper training and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to create an ideal teaching environment. In this way we can reduce disparities in educational results.

 

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

The participation of society in eliminating inequality in education and educational discrimination is very important. Implementation of policies and practices to promote equity and inclusion in education these society elements should be involved;

 :- Parents.

 :- Students.

 :- Community members.

The organizations formed by society can play a key role to provide support and resources to students and their families to help them to eliminate the gap between school and home.

 

Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities:

Socioeconomic disparities which cause educational inequality must be eliminate to get the desired results. This consists of addressing issues such as;

:-  Poverty.

:- Housing instability.

:- Students’ ability to get success in school.

By eliminating all these issues we can make more equitable and just education system for all.

 

 Conclusion:

Education system is very powerful source of social and economical dynamics. But it is also a reflection of inequality and discrimination in education around the world. Inequality in education and complex discrimination are very deep rooted problems which demand continue struggling to resolve them. After admitting the challenges and finding the ways to overcome them we can establish a just and beneficial education system which provides opportunities for all the students to get achievements in their educational journey. Though they have any background. It is the time of changes and it depends on us. For creating a bright future for the coming generations the following elements have to work together;

 :- Educators.

 :- Policy makers.

 :- Communities.

 :- Individuals.