3.2.2. Natural and Social Inequalities

A distinction has sometimes been made in political theory between natural inequalities and socially-produced inequalities. Natural inequalities are those that emerge between people as a result of their different capabilities and talents. These kinds of inequalities are different from socially-produced inequalities which emerge as a consequence of inequalities of opportunity or the exploitation of some groups in a society by others.

In political theory, we can categorize inequalities into two main types: natural and social. Natural inequalities arise from inherent differences among individuals, like variations in talent or physical ability, while social inequalities result from societal structures that create unequal opportunities for different groups. For instance, a person might be naturally better at music due to their inherent talent, which is a natural inequality. On the other hand, if someone from a wealthy background can afford music lessons while someone from a low-income background cannot, this creates a social inequality.

Think of two athletes aiming to become professional marathons runners. One has access to a top-notch coach, a gym, and nutritionists (social inequality), while the other relies on running in the park and limited resources (natural ability). Both may have different talents, but the support and opportunities they receive play a vital role.

Natural inequalities are considered to be the result of the different characteristics and abilities with which people are born. It is generally assumed that natural differences cannot be altered. Social inequalities, on the other hand, are those created by society. Certain societies may, for instance, value those who perform intellectual work over those who do manual work and reward them differently.

Natural inequalities refer to the capabilities and characteristics individuals are born with, such as intelligence, physical strength, or artistic talent — factors we generally accept cannot be changed. Conversely, social inequalities pertain to the societal structures that favor certain professions or individuals over others based on nonsensical criteria like race or gender. For instance, a society might reward doctors more than factory workers, reflecting a social inequality despite both roles being essential.

Consider two students: one has natural aptitude in mathematics while the other struggles with it. The naturally talented student gets better grades and opportunities for scholarships. However, if the struggling student doesn't have access to tutoring or a conducive study environment, their social situation is a clear factor limiting their opportunities, which illustrates how societal structures can affect educational outcomes.

This distinction is sometimes useful in helping us to distinguish between acceptable and unfair inequalities in society but it is not always clear or self-evident. For instance, when certain inequalities in the treatment of people have existed over a long period of time they may appear to us as justifiable because they are based on natural inequalities.

While distinguishing between natural and social inequalities can help us understand why some disparities exist, it’s not always clear-cut. For example, if society has long held that women are less capable than men due to perceived natural inequalities, this view can justify discrimination for generations, even if it’s unwarranted. Over time, societal norms can falsely validate these inequalities, making it essential to question and challenge these long-held beliefs.

Imagine a workplace where it's been a norm for years that women can't hold leadership roles because it’s seen as a 'natural' limitation. If this belief persists, it might seem acceptable to both men and women in that workplace, even though it severely restricts women’s career growth and reinforces gender inequality.

Given all these complexities, it would be difficult to use the natural/socially-produced distinction as a standard by which the laws and policies of a society can be assessed. For this reason many theorists today differentiate between inequality arising from our choices and inequalities operating on account of the family or circumstance in which a person is born.

The distinction between natural and socially produced inequalities becomes even more complex as society progresses. Nowadays, theorists argue that while some inequalities are linked to individual choices, many reflect the circumstances of one's upbringing — such as family background, education, or economic status. These contextual factors often create systemic barriers that individuals cannot overcome simply by trying harder. Policies aimed at promoting equality must consider these nuances to be effective.

Think of a race where some contestants are starting from the same line while others kick off from different starting points based on their backgrounds. Two students, raised in affluent families with college-educated parents, start out significantly ahead of peers who cannot afford pre-school or tutoring, illustrating how varying backgrounds create inequitable starting lines in life.

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