My Socioeconomic Privilege
When privilege comes to mind, the first thing that most people think about is white people and rich people. The society is construed to think that these two groups benefit most from privilege. Prior to this class, I held similar sentiments. However, the book “White Privilege” broadened my understanding of privilege. Allan Johnson posits the best contextual description of privilege. He writes, “Privilege increases the odds of having things your way, of being able to set the agenda in a social situation.” (Johnson 145). This means that as an individual with any privilege, you get to assume superiority and undertake any activity without necessarily being challenged by society. Of interest to this essay is how privilege is pervasive in my day to day life. This means that I enjoy some activities beyond what most people can have. For me, I realize that I have the financial privilege.
The privilege of being raised in a family that is socioeconomically favored ensured that I could have access to most things I wanted. This privilege has a massive influence on my life. First, I believe that I have been able to get a quality education as a result of my family’s status. I grew up in China and subsequently moved to the United States for education. Out of four of my friends, I was the only one who was able to afford schooling and life in America. This does not mean we were super-rich. It means that my parents could spare some money. My friends and I may go to college. However, I realized that getting into college was easier for me. For example, some of them have to squeeze some hours to get an extra coin which will go a long way in helping them pay for their accommodation. On the other hand, I can afford these things comfortably. I do not necessarily have to worry about ways in which emergencies will affect my spending. McIntosh outlines some privileges she experienced as a result of being white
Secondly, socioeconomic status forms an integral basis of how society is divided. For example, because of my status, I have access to good neighborhoods where schools are funded well by the federal government. Interestingly, “Members of the privileged group gain many benefits by their affiliation with the dominant side of the power system.” (Wildman and Davis 141). The glaring inequities between those of a similar status as mine and the poor are wide. They cannot get sufficient funds for their education and other amenities. In China, just like America, the promise of meritocracy encourages people to work hard in school. The assumption is that life is a race. He who breaks the tape is the fastest runner. The same can be correlated with education. However, that is not the case. I have gotten several jobs because of my social capital. The people I know at high places are ready to offer me employment at the expense of another person who would probably be more qualified than me. So, I opine that the race is flawed and rigged. The system works for those who have the socioeconomic privilege.
Furthermore, the privilege of my socioeconomic status necessitates that I can purchase things like jewelry, car for my daily use, and spend my summer holidays exquisitely. These activities are only possible because of my parents. At my age, I cannot afford such because I am trying to balance different things like education and building my career. Therefore, such a privilege is made possible by my parents’ situation. I realized that not everyone could afford the same opportunities.
In conclusion, we all have some kind of privilege in life. Privilege puts us in a better position than others. I am cognizant that doors open for specific people because of how society regards them. I am a beneficiary of this kind of privilege due to my socioeconomic status. I can land a job because of my social capital and not necessarily my qualifications. This is a smack in the face for meritocracy. My ability to pay for college, bills and some vacations is due to the financial situation of my parents.
Works Cited
Johnson, Allan G. “Privilege as a paradox.” White privilege: Essential readings on the other side of racism (2008): 145-149
Wildman, Stephanie M., and Adrienne D. Davis. White privilege: Essential readings on the other side of racism (2008): 137-143