Racial Inequality in America
By Joann Mattam
The racial gap has been one of the most problematic and often controversial subjects to be discussed, existing around the world. While much work has been done to attempt to close this gap, it is still a persistent issue in many areas including education, health, employment, and wealth
With deep historical roots, the racial gap can be traced back to periods of colonization, slavery, and institutionalized discrimination. Especially in the United States, slavery has left an impact on the African American community, with policies such as Jim Crow laws, redlining, and segregated schools creating barriers that prevented people of color from equal opportunity compared to their white counterparts. From this, a foundation of inequality has been strongly built, persisting across generations.
This gap can be seen in healthcare, where it tends to affect women more, especially on abortion rights. Systemic racism, economic disparities, and lack of resources have created barriers for women of color, making it harder for them to access healthcare. Because of this, women of color are hit harder by rulings such as Dobbs v. Jackson, in which it was determined that access to abortion was not a fundamental right, guaranteed by the Constitution. High mortality rates in mothers and inadequate access to safe abortion services are already prevalent issues for women of color, and this new decision disproportionately affects women of color. This will lead to more inequality, increasing the difficulty for marginalized communities to exercise their rights, and deepening the racial/gender divide within healthcare.
The racial gap also extends into the workforce, where people of color often face higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for advancement. People of color are seen to earn less than their white counterparts, as high as 20%-40%, despite similar qualifications. This is also seen in a border with a gap with the average wealth of white families being greater than those of Black or Hispanic families. There are many causes for this issue, including discrimination in hiring practices, lack of access to quality education, and the historical exclusion of people of color from wealth-building opportunities like homeownership. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened these inequalities, disproportionately affecting communities of color in terms of job losses and economic instability.
Efforts should be made at both the systemic and individual levels to address this gap. Only with effective policymaking and the enforcement of laws promoting equal opportunity can there be change made. Investments in underfunded schools, affordable housing, and community healthcare centers are crucial to leveling the playing field which has been worlds apart for generations. Furthermore, addressing implicit biases and systemic racism requires ongoing education and awareness. Institutions, from schools to corporations, must actively work to create inclusive environments that value diversity and equity.
In conclusion, the racial gap remains a significant challenge, change can be made. By acknowledging the roots of these disparities and working collectively to address them, society can move toward a more equitable future where race no longer determines one’s opportunities or outcomes.
Works Cited
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“Education Inequality: K-12 Disparity Facts.” UNCF, https://uncf.org/pages/k-12-disparity-facts-and-stats. Accessed 19 August 2024.
Funk, Cary, and Kim Parker. “Racial diversity and discrimination in the U.S. STEM workforce.” Pew Research Center, 9 January 2018, https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/01/09/blacks-in-stem-jobs-are-especially-concerned-about-diversity-and-discrimination-in-the-workplace/. Accessed 19 August 2024.
“Post 5: Racial Differences in Educational Experiences and Attainment.” U.S. Department of the Treasury, 9 June 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/post-5-racial-differences-in-educational-experiences-and-attainment. Accessed 19 August 2024.
Schaeffer, Katherine. “For Labor Day, Black workers’ views and experiences of work.” Pew Research Center, 31 August 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/31/black-workers-views-and-experiences-in-the-us-labor-force-stand-out-in-key-ways/. Accessed 19 August 2024.
