Earned vs. Unearned Privilege: Understanding the Key Differences and Their Impact

Privilege has gained significant attention in discussions of social justice, equity, and inclusion. It refers to the unearned advantages or benefits some individuals or groups receive based on their social identity, such as race, gender, class, or other characteristics. However, not all "privilege" is the same. It can be categorized into two distinct types:?earned privilege?and?unearned privilege. Understanding the difference between these two forms of privilege is crucial for fostering a more equitable society.

What is Privilege?

Privilege, as a social concept, refers to the systemic advantages that certain groups enjoy over others. These advantages are often invisible to those who benefit from them but have profound impacts on opportunities, access to resources, and overall quality of life. Privilege is not necessarily about individual wealth or success; rather, it is about the societal structures that favor some groups while disadvantaging others.

Earned Privilege

Earned privilege is the result of individual effort, achievement, or merit. It is acquired through hard work, talent, or specific accomplishments. Examples of earned privilege include:

• Educational Attainment: A person who earns a degree through years of study and dedication gains access to certain opportunities, such as higher-paying jobs or professional networks.
• Career Success: Someone who climbs the corporate ladder through skill, experience, and performance may enjoy privileges like higher income, respect, and influence.
• Athletic or Artistic Achievement: A talented athlete or artist who achieves fame and recognition through their abilities benefits from earned privilege.

Earned privilege is "fair" because it is tied to personal effort. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same starting point or access to resources that make earning such privileges possible. Systemic barriers, such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to quality education, can make it harder for some individuals to achieve these privileges.

Unearned Privilege

Unearned privilege, on the other hand, is not the result of individual effort or merit. It is granted automatically based on aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Unearned privilege is deeply rooted in historical and systemic inequalities and is often invisible to those who possess it. Examples include:

• White Privilege: In some societies, white individuals are claimed to benefit from systemic racism that favors them over people of color. This can manifest in better access to education, employment, housing, and fair treatment by law enforcement.
• Male Privilege: Men supposedly experience advantages in areas like career advancement, leadership opportunities, and societal expectations, compared to women.
• Class Privilege: Individuals born into wealthy families may benefit from financial stability, access to elite education, and social networks that open doors to opportunities.

Unearned privilege is not something individuals choose or earn; it is a byproduct of societal structures that favor certain groups over others. Recognizing unearned privilege is essential for addressing systemic inequalities and working toward a more just society.

Key Differences Between Earned and Unearned Privilege

1. Source: Earned privilege comes from individual effort, talent, or achievement. Unearned privilege is granted based on aspects of identity or social position.
2. Visibility: Earned privilege is often visible and acknowledged because it is tied to specific accomplishments. Unearned privilege is often invisible to those who benefit from it, as it is deeply embedded in societal norms and structures.
3. Control: Individuals have some control over earned privilege through their actions and choices. Unearned privilege is outside an individual's control, as it is determined by societal factors.
4. Impact: Earned privilege contributes to personal success and fulfillment. Unearned privilege perpetuates systemic inequalities and disadvantages marginalized groups.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between earned and unearned privilege is critical for fostering empathy, equity, and social change. While earned privilege is often celebrated as a result of hard work, unearned privilege highlights the systemic barriers that prevent others from achieving the same opportunities. By acknowledging unearned privilege, individuals can become more aware of their advantages and work to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality.

For example, a person who recognizes the unearned privilege of their race or gender can use their position to advocate for marginalized groups, challenge discriminatory practices, and support policies that promote equity. Similarly, understanding earned privilege can inspire individuals to create opportunities for others who may not have had the same advantages.

Privilege is a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a significant role in shaping individual experiences and societal structures. While earned privilege is the result of personal effort and achievement, unearned privilege is a systemic advantage granted based on identity. Recognizing the difference between the two is essential for promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion. By addressing unearned privilege and working to level the playing field, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.