BY HERMAN M. LAGON
DURING the recent “Sustainable Development Goals” convention in Iloilo City hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology – Department of Science and Technology (NAST-DOST), Dr. Clement Camposano, chancellor of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), challenged attendees, primarily scientists, technologists, educators, researchers, and policymakers, with a probing question: “How are we complicit to the inequalities of the world?”
An issue that resonates deeply in our nation is the contrast between prosperity and poverty. This contrast illustrates the complexity of our country’s socioeconomic environment. Because of this, we are obligated to study the myriad ways our actions, both conscious and unconscious, contribute to the continuation of inequality.
Throughout our daily lives, cultural conventions and personal biases influence our decisions and interactions, frequently inadvertently reinforcing social hierarchies. These biases can manifest in various aspects of life, such as favoring job candidates who have attended prominent institutions or behaving differently with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the most critical steps we can take toward achieving equity is recognizing and eliminating these biases.
The decisions that we make as consumers also play a crucial effect. It is common practice to support industries that abuse underpaid workers by purchasing the least expensive products without considering where they come from. It is feasible to shift market demand toward fair labor practices by giving preference to things that are supplied ethically, which will contribute to economic justice. This will be accomplished from the perspective of the market.
The creation and transmission of policies are directly influenced by the participant’s level of involvement in political processes and the absence of such involvement. In our country, which features dynamic yet polarized political landscapes, voter indifference, and misinformation can lead to a government that either does not address inequality or makes it worse. Initiatives such as voting with informed consent and holding leaders accountable are two examples of the things necessary to construct social institutions that are equitable for all individuals.
Then, here comes the digital media. The platforms it offers routinely promote disputed and misleading narratives, widening the divides that already exist in society. Even though social media platforms are transforming how information is received, they consistently promote contentious and incorrect narratives. Engaging with varied points of view that are not contained within our traditional digital echo chambers can be beneficial to us as we work toward cultivating a more thorough grasp of the difficulties that the community is trying to overcome.
Meanwhile, both the existing inequalities and the gaps in education reflect and amplify the given inequalities. A strong association exists between an individual’s socioeconomic background and the degree of education available, perpetuating a cycle of poverty from one generation to the next. Addressing these imbalances, breaking this cycle, and enhancing social and economic results over time is necessary. (To be continued)/PN
