Posted: April 30th, 2022

Should the concept of social status be considered a violation of human rights?

Should the concept of social status be considered a violation of human rights?
Social status is a term that refers to the relative position of an individual or a group in a society based on various factors such as wealth, education, occupation, ethnicity, gender, etc. Social status can affect one’s access to resources, opportunities, rights and privileges, as well as one’s self-esteem, social recognition and influence. However, social status can also create inequalities, discrimination, oppression and exploitation among different groups of people. Therefore, some may argue that the concept of social status is a violation of human rights, which are the inherent and universal rights that belong to every human being regardless of their social status.

Human rights are based on the principles of dignity, equality and justice for all human beings. They are meant to protect and promote the fundamental freedoms and interests of every person without discrimination. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which is the most widely accepted document on human rights, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (Article 1) and “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (Article 2) . Therefore, human rights imply that every person has the same inherent worth and deserves the same respect and treatment regardless of their social status.

However, the reality is that social status often determines how people are treated and valued in society. People with higher social status tend to have more power, influence and resources than those with lower social status. They also tend to enjoy more privileges and opportunities than those who are marginalized or disadvantaged by their social status. For example, people with higher social status may have better access to quality education, health care, employment, housing, justice and political participation than those with lower social status. They may also face less discrimination, prejudice, stigma and violence than those who belong to minority or oppressed groups based on their social status. On the other hand, people with lower social status may suffer from poverty, hunger, illiteracy, disease, exploitation, abuse and exclusion because of their lack of resources, opportunities and rights. They may also face more barriers and challenges in achieving their full potential and realizing their human dignity .

Therefore, the concept of social status can be seen as a violation of human rights because it creates and maintains unequal and unjust social structures that undermine the dignity, equality and justice of every human being. Social status can also be seen as a source of conflict and violence among different groups of people who compete for scarce resources and power based on their social status. Moreover, social status can also affect one’s self-perception and identity, as well as one’s sense of belonging and participation in society. People with lower social status may internalize the negative stereotypes and attitudes that society imposes on them based on their social status. They may also feel alienated and isolated from the mainstream society that does not value or respect them because of their social status .

In conclusion, the concept of social status can be considered a violation of human rights because it contradicts the principles of dignity, equality and justice that are essential for every human being. Social status can also have negative impacts on one’s well-being, development and participation in society. Therefore, it is important to challenge and change the concept of social status and its effects on human rights. This can be done by promoting a culture of human rights that respects and celebrates diversity and inclusion among all people regardless of their social status. It can also be done by ensuring that all people have equal access to resources, opportunities and rights that enable them to live a dignified and fulfilling life regardless of their social status.

References:

: United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

: United Nations Development Programme. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). Human Development Report 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers: Beyond income,
beyond averages,
beyond today: write my paper on Inequalities in human development in the 21st century.
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers.pdf

: World Health Organization. (2020). Social determinants of health.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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