Resource inequality in Irish society (Essay Sample)

Resource Inequality in Irish society
Author
Institution
Abstract
The term equality incorporates a broad range of dimensions such as political equality or equality of power relations and economic equality, which incorporates egalitarian distribution of resources. Equal opportunity infers non discrimination and equality of real options, while cultural equality encompasses equal respect and recognition such as gender equality. In addition, affective equality encompasses equality in relations of care, love, and solidarity. There is diverse lens of viewing inequality such as from monetary measures of income, wealth, standards of living and access to basic necessities. Inequality may also be assessed in terms of occupation as exhibited by occupational status and employment status. This paper explores resource inequality within the Irish society and the impact of resource inequality.
Resource Inequality in Irish society
Introduction
Resource inequality in Irish society stems from unequal distribution of economic resources such as wealth and income and access to public services. Several factors drive resource inequality in Ireland, which institute barriers to attainment of resource equity. Examples of such factors include unemployment, low levels of education, types and size of family, and gender. According to Basset & Haran (2006), people are considered to be living in poverty when their incomes and material, cultural or social resources are so insufficient as to exclude them from enjoying an acceptable standard of living.
In Irish society, wealth is a more pronounced form of resource inequality compared to income. On top of material inequality, the Irish society also manifests social inequality, which condemns the already poor population into deep resource poverty. In its report, in 2007, the Bank of Ireland noted that the uppermost 1% of the population held 20 percent of wealth, the top 2% held 30 percent of the wealth, while the top 5% of the population held 40% of the wealth (Johnston, 2009). This reflects a country that has an extensive unequal resource distribution.
The attempts of the Irish government to even the gains of economic growth have been negligible, especially in respect to health and education, which are core determinants of equity in society. Despite the transformative effect in social, cultural, and economic landscape in Irish society, inequalities and exclusion in terms of access, participation, and performance in resource generation still remain (Clancy et al., 2001).
Although the economic growth within Ireland has benefited some people, most of the population remain marginalized and in poverty. This is evident in aspects fundamental to quality of life. The incongruence between economic growth and eradication of poverty arises from derisory resources and insufficient participation by members of society. The economic growth within the country has not translated into equal prosperity for all (Combat Poverty Agency, 2003).
Some sections of the Irish society feature marked levels of marginalization from production exhibited by high unemployment levels, low consumption due to low income levels, weak social networks such as family and community, poor decision making arising from weak collaboration, and low satisfaction in the quality of life (Clancy et al., 2001). Poverty and inequality within the Irish society also detail isolation, powerlessness, and exclusion from active participation in normal activities of the society. Similarly, resource inequality also stems from marginalization and exclusion of certain groups from political, cultural, and civil participation in society.
Resource inequality impinges upon the ability of the poor to participate comprehensively in society as well as negatively affecting their life chances. Many people within Irish society continue to be marginalized in respect to income, health, education, and housing and other aspects. Moreover, the opportunity to attain education qualifications critical to enhancement of economic prospects is determined by an individual’s socio-economic background (Basset & Haran, 2006). Thus, resource inequality within the society frustrates individual’s ability to break free of cycle of poverty.
The consequence of the inequitable and exclusionary distribution of resources within Irish society pervades all aspects of the life of citizens; both at personal and social level. The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within Irish society contributes to poverty as well as social exclusion of the population. Research indicates that most of the groups that experience discrimination and inequality are also predisposed to poverty and social exclusion (Johnston, 2009). The social deprivation also translates into health inequalities. Therefore, tackling marginalization and achievement of gender equality is a sure way of attaining equality and social coh...