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Revision Having spent my childhood in a neighbourhood with a mix of people from different backgrounds, I gained insights into the ongoing discussions about social change. Seeing the differences in conditions among my friends' families and the varying qualities of our schools made me realize how social inequality has an effect. As I went through my journey, it became clear to me that not everyone had the opportunity to access resources that could shape their future. This struck the topic of social inequality for my reflection. Over the years, I have learned that social inequality pertains to the inequitable allocation of resources and prospects within communities, which I have observed to materialize as differences in health and educational outcomes. I have seen economic inequality manifested in differences in wealth and income, frequently caused by unequal access to chances for employment and education (Kopp, 2023). For instance, one of my friends is a great basketball; however, he doesn’t belong to a family with a wealthy background, which was a barrier to his career as the financial situation always put him a step back; it was hard to pay for correct coaching and equipment. This enlightened an observation that marginalized communities experience more difficulties because of their poor living conditions and restricted access to opportunities. An increasing awareness of systemic inequities has led to an increased emphasis on talking about and tackling social change in recent years. I find it stimulating that movements calling for equality in terms of gender, racial, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights are gaining momentum. I've seen how individuals are now actively involved in grassroots projects and community discussions, for instance, the Black Lives Matter movement has been the most recent and biggest project and a step towards equality. This has strengthened my conviction that individual action may effect change. Individual acts contribute to immediate changes and lay the groundwork for long-term societal progress by establishing a culture of accountability, empathy, and solidarity, guaranteeing that the battle for equality is an ongoing and developing undertaking. Discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, and other factors further compounds social inequality, contributing to systemic disadvantages. The concept of intersectionality emphasizes how various social categories intersect to create unique forms of discrimination and privilege (Carbado, 2013). For example, a black woman may face discrimination not only based on her race or gender individually but also as a result of the intersection of both identities, leading to experiences of marginalization that differ from those faced by either black men or white women. In my opinion, enacting systemic changes that guarantee equal opportunities in healthcare, work, and education is necessary to build a more just society. For instance, I remember a close friend being turned down for a job based on their background. I learned from this experience how critical confronting prejudice, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices is. Those who don’t experience stereotypes and prejudice in their personal lives are made aware of it through grassroots movements and public campaigns. My experience with community organizations

has shown me the importance of grassroots movements and social campaigning. These encounters have influenced policy and increased consciousness toward creating a more equitable and just society by providing knowledge. Understanding how these problems are related is essential for creating policies to combat inequality. We could implement change through grassroots movements such as community-based advocacy groups and local initiatives. These movements can address education, healthcare, or environmental justice issues, fostering awareness and mobilizing communities. By empowering individuals to share their stories and concerns, grassroots efforts amplify marginalized voices, prompting dialogue and influencing policy (Blair, 2023). These movements create a collective force for change through collaborative, bottom-up approaches, challenging systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity at the community level. Based on my experiences, including all opinions, it is crucial to tackle inequality. It's not about implementing policy changes. It is also about cultivating empathy, challenging biases, and actively engaging in the shared quest for justice. As I contribute to this dialogue, I am reminded of how important it is to start with understanding, empathy and dedication to breaking down the barriers that uphold inequality.

Citation Kopp, M. (2023, May 29). Income Inequality Definition: Examples and How It’s Measured. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/income-inequality.asp Carbado, W., et al. (2013, October). INTERSECTIONALITY: Mapping the Movements of a Theory - PubMed. PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742058X13000349 Blair, C. (2023, July 26). Unleashing the Force of Grassroots Activism: Empowering Voices, Transforming Society. Medium. https://medium.com/cause-community/unleashing-the-force-of- grassroots-activism-empowering-voices-transforming-society-57ed80b9f90

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