Social Equity is a prerequisite to Social Cohesion

Social cohesion, peace, and prosperity are fundamental aspirations for societies worldwide, and yet in a climate where inequality and profound inequity exist we are incapable of building lasting peace or harmony. These ideals we aspire to depend on establishing a relative degree of social equity, which lays a strong foundation for community building and allows for the flourishing of human potential and collective well-being. Research consistently highlights the vital role of social equity in fostering stable, harmonious communities (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010; Stiglitz, 2012).

Social equity implies, not only a “level playing field” where all individuals have fair access to opportunities and rights on the surface, but a genuine degree of equity that addresses the disparities in outcomes, the imbalance in how rules and laws are applied, the biases both subtle and overt in the application of policy and human rights law; not just an idealistic concept of fairness that we say we aspire to.

In environments where equity prevails, people feel valued, respected, and included in the societal fabric, fostering social cohesion and eventually prosperity and peace. This is because equity enables communities to work together harmoniously towards common goals, reducing tensions that arise from disparity. According to Rawls (1971), justice as fairness is essential for social stability and cooperation, indicating that inequity can fragment society and hinder lasting peace.

Perhaps the best way to understand the role of equity in establishing cohesion and harmony, is to look at the examples of extreme inequity and the fracturing of those societies and environments. In every possible example that we can consider, from the way gross economic inequity fosters mistrust and resentment of government along with fear of “migrants”, to the resentment and anger fostered in the classroom examples of Jane Elliot’s “Blues Eyes/ Brown Eyes” experiment; it is evident that across the world, environments with significant inequity make it easier to divide, and harder to unite.

Harmony within a society is in fact unattainable if disparities and inequalities persist. Genuine peace thrives in a setting where all voices are heard, and rights are safeguarded (Galtung, 1996). Attempts to promote peace without addressing underlying inequity result in superficial solutions. Sustainable peace requires a commitment to justice and addressing social imbalances (Sen, 2009). When individuals perceive that they hold a stake in their community, that there is an equal degree of respect, and their opinions and needs hold equal value, then they are more likely to contribute to a sense of unity and reinforce social stability (Putnam, 2000).

Prosperity, also, is intricately linked to social equity. Economic opportunities must be accessible to all community members to cultivate a thriving society. Communities with some degree of equitable wealth distribution tend to prosper more universally. Wilkinson & Pickett (2010) argue that societies with greater economic equality perform better on various indices of prosperity and social well-being. Conversely, when growth benefits only a select few, social unrest and instability can ensue (Piketty, 2014).

This feel quite self-evident and elementary when we take pause to consider it even for a moment, and yet it feels at times that we need to remind ourselves, our colleagues, community and those in positions of influence that to expect social cohesion, unity and harmony in an environment of extreme inequity is impossible and absurd.

Achieving social equity involves both systemic changes and cultural shifts. Implementing policies that ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and employment is essential (UNDP, 2020). Furthermore, fostering empathy and understanding across different social groups enhances cohesion. Recognising the inherent dignity and value of every individual is crucial for building an equitable society (Young, 1990).

Benefits of fostering equity, beyond the moral imperative include;

Crime: Inequity is often linked with higher crime rates. Studies show that disparities in wealth and social standing can drive individuals toward criminal behavior out of desperation or a sense of injustice (Hsieh & Pugh, 1993; Sampson & Wilson, 1995). When people lack fair access to resources, they may resort to crime as a means of survival, destabilizing communities and perpetuating a cycle of violence (Merton, 1938).

Mental Health: The impact of inequity on mental health is profound. Individuals in unequal societies who are dealing with marginalisation often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to a lack of control over their circumstances and social exclusion (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010; Lorant et al., 2003). This mental distress affects individuals and diminishes the overall productivity and wellness of a community, as well as contributes to negative physical health outcomes.

Physical Health: Marmot (2004) highlights that when individuals perceive they are lower on the social hierarchy, it can lead to poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases. Social equity promotes better health by ensuring accessible healthcare services for all, leading to longer, healthier lives (Braveman & Cubbin, 2009).

Tendency for Altruism: On the positive side, social equity can enhance altruistic behaviors. When individuals feel they are part of an equitable system or have their basic needs met, they are more likely to engage in acts of kindness, volunteerism and support for others (Fehr & Gächter, 2000). This increase in altruism strengthens community bonds and promotes a culture of mutual assistance and collectivism.

Strengthening Social Fabric: Equitable societies often feature stronger social fabrics. Bourdieu (1986) emphasizes that social capital—the network of relationships among people—is enhanced when equity prevails, as trust and collaboration are more readily fostered. Communities with equitable systems tend to display resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Peace and Collectivism: Finally, social equity is a precursor to peace and collectivism. It creates a sense of unity and common purpose among community members, reducing conflicts and fostering collective action toward shared goals (Tilly, 2004). When people feel equally valued and respected, they are more inclined to work together for the common good, resulting in sustained peace and cooperation.

In conclusion, social cohesion, peace, and prosperity are tangible outcomes that emerge from a robust foundation of social equity. Prioritising social equity is essential for justice, equality, and unity, which are vital for societal development.

By engaging with the work of social equity and eliminating barriers to inclusion, access, belonging and marginalisation, we pave the way for genuine unity and harmony among communities, establishing enduring peace and realising prosperity for all.

Striving for these ideals affirms our commitment to a shared future where every individual thrives in harmony and contributes to a vibrant social tapestry. Failing to exert ourselves in a genuine way towards social equity, including gender equity, racial equity and economic equity, fosters negative sentiments and allows for imaginary lines of division to be exploited for the purpose of further dividing society.

Social equity is an indispensable aspect of building peace and fostering harmony and a powerful inoculation against division, disharmony, conflict and contention.

To put out the flames of disunity and division we see in society, we have to urgently address the deepening and long lasting inequities in society and allow the glue of equity to repair the fractures extending throughout society.

References:

1. Bourdieu, P. (1986). *The forms of capital*. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.

2. Braveman, P., & Cubbin, C. (2009). The relationship between income and mortality in the United States: A research synthesis. *Institute of Medicine.* Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215639/

3. Fehr, E., & Gächter, S. (2000). Fairness and retaliation: The economics of reciprocity. *Journal of Economic Perspectives*, 14(3), 159-181. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.14.3.159

4. Galtung, J. (1996). *Peace by peaceful means: Peace and conflict, development and civilization*. SAGE Publications.

5. Hsieh, C., & Pugh, M. D. (1993). Poverty, income inequality, and violent crime: A meta-analysis of recent aggregate data studies. *Criminal Justice Review*, 18(2), 182-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/073401689301800204

6. Lorant, V., Crouch, S., Ogg, M., & Staneva, A. (2003). Equity in health care and the role of social capital: A systematic review. *Health & Place*, 9(3), 269-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1353-8292(02)00005-8

7. Marmot, M. (2004). The status syndrome: How social standing affects our health and longevity. *Times Books*.

8. Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. *American Sociological Review*, 3(5), 672-682. https://doi.org/10.2307/2084686

9. Piketty, T. (2014). *Capital in the twenty-first century*. Harvard University Press.

10. Putnam, R. D. (2000). *Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community*. Simon & Schuster.

11. Rawls, J. (1971). *A theory of justice*. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.

12. Sen, A. (2009). *The idea of justice*. Harvard University Press.

13. Sampson, R. J., & Wilson, W. J. (1995). Toward a theory of race, crime, and urban inequality. In J. Hagan & R. D. Peterson (Eds.), *Crime and inequality* (pp. 37-54). Stanford University Press.

14. Stiglitz, J. E. (2012). *The price of inequality: How today's divided society endangers our future*. W.W. Norton & Company.

15. Tilly, C. (2004). *Social movements, 1768-2004*. Paradigm Publishers.

16. UNDP. (2020). *Human development report 2020: The next frontier - human development and the anthropocene*. United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved from http://hdr.undp.org/en/2020-report

17. Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). *The spirit level: Why equality is better for everyone*. Penguin Books.

18. Young, I. M. (1990). *Justice and the politics of difference*. Princeton University Press.

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