“The world is not fair.”
This saying is extremely cliché and common. Many view inequality as normal, and they empower and promote the social quo as it is. Reducing inequalities at the basic level means starting with our youth. Children begin learning inequality where they learn many other things: school. Social inequality can be taught and enforced by educators, community policies, and even parents.
There are things that can be done to reduce these inequalities. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) aim to achieve this. Among the UN SDGs is Goal #10, which focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries by 2030.
Inequality affects nothing short of several hundred million people. However, we can take one step forward by targeting one of the biggest institutions: the classroom.
SDG 10 Of The UN Development Programme: Reducing Inequalities at the Basic Level
The tenth goal of the UN SDGs aims to bridge the gap between people and reduce inequality. This can be done through various ways, such as economic policies or educational reform. The most common forms of inequalities appear in the following aspects:
1. Income. There is a global trend of income inequality and it has been increasing since the 1950s. This results in poverty. It also leads to a lack of access to education, healthcare, employment, and basic needs.
2. Age. Older people are often worse off due to their decreased earning potential or pension benefits. This is especially true for older women. They find it hard to re-enter the workforce after taking a break to care for their families.
3. Gender. Gender is another source of inequality. Gender stereotypes lead to disparities in access to education, healthcare, employment, and more.
4. Disability. Disabled people are often overlooked or, worse, discriminated against. Numerous resources are also not tailored to their needs. This makes it hard for them to benefit from them.
5. Race. Racial inequality is a huge problem, more so in the United States. People of color are often subject to bigotry. They also lack access to the same chances as their white counterparts.
6. Ethnicity. Ethnic minorities often face unequal treatment. They also lack access to the same doors as their majority counterparts. Further, they are often subject to violence or prejudice.
7. Religion. Religious minorities often face unequal treatment due to their faith. This leads to them not being able to practice openly.
8. Refugee Or Migrant Status. Refugees and migrants are often treated as second-class citizens. But part of their safe mobility must include safety and security in their new homes.
9. Economic Status. People from lower-income backgrounds can’t access the same resources as those from higher incomes. This is especially true for the poorest people.
Going Back To The Basic Level: Creating Inclusive Schools
However, we can help our communities by improving our places of learning, where every child comes to understand their society.
School Uniform Policies
Many schools have uniform policies that create a sense of belonging and simplicity. But research has suggested that they exacerbate existing inequalities — and shouldn’t have a place in inclusive schools.
Take the cost of some uniforms, for example. Many families from lower-income backgrounds cannot afford these uniforms. Most school uniforms are also gender-specific. This could lead to further discrimination and inequality between male and female students.
In addition, some school uniform policies prohibit:
Some hairstyles, like dreadlocks or cornrows often worn by children of color
Religious symbols, such as a headscarf for Muslim women
Uniforms that don’t follow typical gender roles, like pants for female students or long hair for male students.
These policies appear seemingly harmless at first. After all, the main goal of these rules is to make students feel they belong.
However, it’s different when we look closely. It becomes clear how these policies worsen inequalities in schools.
It is clear that schools need change. They must adopt policies that don’t target or discriminate against anyone. Inclusive rules should consider that students come from different backgrounds. Thus, they should not be judged based on their outward appearance.
These policies should allow students to express themselves through their uniform choice. The rules should also not be overly restrictive or prohibitive. This can help foster a sense of belonging and acceptance among all students.
Here are some actions to reduce these gaps in schools and foster inclusive education:
Provide Free Or Low-Cost Uniforms
Schools should make sure all families can afford their uniforms. This way, students from lower-income backgrounds do not face additional barriers to attending school. This will also help reduce the cost burden on families.
Many schools do not have the budget to give free or low-cost uniforms. This is especially true in low-income neighborhoods. However, this is where support from the government and other bodies can come in.
Allow Racial And Ethnic Hairstyles
Schools should allow students to express their identity through their hair. This means letting students of minority groups wear their hair as befits their culture or demographic.
Permit Religious Symbols
Religious symbols should also be allowed to ensure minorities are not discriminated against. For example, Muslim women must be able to wear headscarves with no fear.
Allow Gender Expression
Schools should be willing to allow gender expression through their uniform. This includes letting female students wear pants and male students wear skirts if desired.
This isn’t limited to clothes either — it might involve hairstyles as well.
PRACTICE Benefit Corp
B Corp companies are some of the leading institutions that support the UN SDGs. Over 6,000 companies in the world are B Corp certified, and one of them is PRACTICE Benefit Corp. When a company is certified, it means that they are committed to protecting the environment. They are also creating positive economic and social changes in the world.
PRACTICE does this by advancing quality education. They are on a mission to ensure no child’s situation prevents them from realizing their potential. This aims to close the gap of opportunities for them.
Toward Inclusive Education And A More Equitable Future For All
Inequality a truth that we have to recognize but not simply accept. We have to take responsibility and set up systems that can help communities do better.
Inclusive schools can start with their uniform policies. They open up the chance for all to express themselves and feel they belong. Schools must provide low-cost uniforms, allow hairstyles, permit religious symbols, and allow gender expression. These things outright promote greater equality.
Further, companies like PRACTICE Benefit Corp are taking strides to advance equitable education. We should strive to work with them and learn from their examples. With the UN’s Goal 10 and these steps, we can help create a more equitable world for all.