The Loss of Inequity or the Start of Chaos – Exploring the Impact of Social Evolution

As different groups have sought equality throughout history, one of the challenges they have faced was the perception that their gain in equality would disturb the social and economic balance that had been established by their oppression. In some instances, the people who expressed this concern were simply recognizing the growing pains that go along with any necessary change in society. In other cases, the idea that equality would cause chaos was used to whip up fear, and to bolster those who opposed equality. This is not a new concept, it has occurred throughout history, and it continues to occur today. Let’s take a look at a few historical instances.

Inequity in 19^th Century United States �" Slavery

Today, it is difficult to conceive the idea of anybody owning slaves. However, in the 1800s people did exactly that. When it became clear to those who opposed abolishing slavery that they weren’t going to win people over on moral grounds, they made the issue about economics. They claimed that while the more industrialized north would fare well without slavery, the agrarian economy of the south would collapse without slave labor. While this theory did have some merit, the end of slavery would have economic impacts on the south, it did not justify the horrible practice of keeping slaves. Fortunately, slavery ended after the Civil War, and all regions of the United States eventually recovered economically. The promise that chaos would rein simply did not turn out to be true.

Inequity in the Mid to Late 20^th Century United States �" Second Wave Feminism

While First Wave Feminism gave women the right to vote and earn property, there were still issues of inequity that needed to be resolved. The Second Wave Feminism was the movement that was started to accomplish this ( One of the main objectives of second wave feminists was to achieve equality in the work place. This meant doing away with hiring policies that were biased against women who were or might become mothers. This also meant pursuing equal work for equal pay. Once again, the naysayers claimed that men, the back bone of the American work force, could not compete under such conditions. They argued that men would be forced into lesser jobs at lower pay that would not allow them to adequately support their families. Poverty rates would surely rise, they claimed, if men had to compete with women. Unfortunately, the dream of equal work for equal pay has not quite been realized. However, there is good news. We have learned that women can enter the work force without causing financial or social upheaval.

Inequity in the 21^st Century United States �" Gay Rights

The concept that solving issues of inequity will result in chaos is not solely limited to economic impact. It also includes moral and sociological impacts. This is the case today when it comes to opposition to gay rights.  Whether the issue is same sex marriage, partner rights, adoption, the ability to serve in the military, or fighting discrimination in retail establishments, some continue to claim that chaos will come with the weakening of morality in society and the erosion of the family structure. However, at this point, this theory seems rather shaky as gay rights are expanding in many regions with no seemingly negative effects.

 

Author's Note

Pat Fredshaw is a professional educator and inspired writer who is dreaming about writing a classical american novel somewhere on the ocean's shore enjoying wonderful sunsets. Currently Pat is writing for EssaySupply where she is helping students to overcome some complicated learning issues.
Follow Pat on Facebook or Twitter

Reviews

[Delmar Cooper]

I think Pat is using Writer's Café as a free advertising medium for her essay business.