Society is not only composed of laws, governments, and institutions but also of many invisible layers that determine who gets how many opportunities and who faces how many obstacles. Among these layers, power and privilege are the most significant. Power doesn’t just mean political or economic strength; it’s the capacity of an individual or group to influence the decisions, resources, and life trajectories of others. Privilege, on the other hand, refers to the advantages that a person receives without any effort, simply because of their identity, family, gender, caste, race, or social status. When these two forces work together, inequality in society deepens.
Often, people believe that success is solely the result of hard work, but the reality is that the starting line is not the same for everyone. For some, the path is already clear, while for others, the same path is fraught with thorns. This is the difference that power and privilege create.
The Meaning of Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Power is the ability of an individual or institution to make decisions, create rules, or influence the lives of others. It can stem from authority, wealth, education, technology, social networks, or cultural recognition. Privilege, on the other hand, refers to the hidden advantages that some people receive due to the structure of society. These advantages seem so normal that those who possess them often don’t even realize that they are in a better position than others.
Oppression arises when certain segments of society consistently face disadvantages, discrimination, and limitations. This is not limited to individual behavior but is also evident in institutions such as schools, workplaces, laws, and the media. For example, if a community consistently faces difficulties in accessing better education or good jobs, it’s not just a coincidence but an indication of a systemic problem.
How Privilege Transforms into Power
Privilege gradually transforms into power. Those who have access to better education, safer environments, and influential connections easily rise to positions of power. Upon reaching positions of power, they make decisions that often benefit people like themselves. This further strengthens the same group, while others are left behind.
For example, if only one group of people is involved in policymaking in a society, they may inadvertently create rules that are detrimental to other groups. In this way, privilege gives rise to power, and power reinforces privilege.
Unearned Advantages
Privilege is not a reward that someone has earned. It is often inherited at birth. A child born into a family with financial security, good education, and social standing has a strong start in life. On the other hand, a child born into poverty, discrimination, or insecurity has to work much harder at every step.
This difference stems not from one’s abilities but from their circumstances. Therefore, saying that everyone has equal opportunities is often far from the truth.
Multiple Identities and Their Impact
Every person is not defined by just one identity. We are all made up of multiple layers, such as gender, caste, class, religion, education, and culture. This is called intersectionality. It means that a person can simultaneously experience privilege in some areas and discrimination in others.
For example, a woman may face gender-based discrimination, but if she comes from an economically privileged family, she may also have access to many advantages. Understanding this complexity is crucial so that we don’t view someone’s situation from only one perspective.
Everyday Examples of Privilege
Some people never have to worry about being viewed with suspicion by the police, banks, or schools because of their identity. Some men don’t have to struggle extra hard to prove their competence at work because society already assumes they are capable. Some families have easy access to better healthcare, safe housing, and strong social networks.
These may seem like small things, but together they shape the course of a life. For those who lack these advantages, life becomes significantly more difficult.
What We Can Do
Change begins with self-awareness. It’s crucial to acknowledge that we may have certain advantages in life that we didn’t earn. This doesn’t mean we should feel guilty, but rather that we should be responsible.
Listening to others, understanding their experiences, and not dismissing their struggles is essential. If we have resources, a voice, or influence, we should use them to promote equality and justice, not to reinforce existing inequalities.
Conclusion
Power and privilege are deeply embedded in the fabric of society. Until we understand them, true equality will remain elusive. This understanding makes us more empathetic, responsible, and just. A better society is one where opportunities are determined not by one’s identity, but by one’s effort and ability.
