A privilege is a special right or advantage granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. A person having privileges does not mean that they have something more than someone else. It means that one does not face the barriers that marginalized groups face. Making an effort does not mean that one has not benefited from those privileges at some point. Often the one who has privileges does not think about the fact that they have them and that they are not available to everyone else.
Privilege can be based on a variety of social identities, such as race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, sexuality, age, level of education, and much more.
Privilege of the able-bodied
People whose bodies, because of illness or disability, do not have the same abilities as the bodies of people without such disabilities do not have the privilege of visiting a new place without first investigating whether the building has mobility aids, such as a working elevator or ramps. Nor do they have the privilege of not being offered unsolicited assistance.
Privilege is also the success of a person not presenting as guilt to others who do not have a disability (“If he/she can do it despite his/her disability, what is your excuse?”).
Privilege of light skin
It’s a privilege for fair-skinned people to easily find cosmetics that suit their skin tone. Forward-thinking companies offer cosmetics, tights and drawing pencils with many skin color options.
Another privilege that people with lighter skin enjoy is the lack of worry about being wrongfully arrested or being viewed with suspicion in the store or other public places.
The privilege of heterosexual orientation
People with a heterosexual orientation do not think twice about having the privilege of showing tenderness in public places without threat or punishment. They do not have to worry about being the only one with that sexuality at school, university, work, or in a social situation. They can get immediate access to their loved one in case of an accident or emergency. These are privileges that people with a homosexual orientation do not yet have.
Privilege of gender
In a work environment, men can expect to get promotions as often and be paid the same amount as their equally qualified counterparts. A privilege that women do not have and still get paid on average 13% less than men doing the same job. It is a privilege for men to be able to express frustration, anger, passion, or self-confidence without someone attributing it to their gender or dismissing it.
Women, more than men, are disadvantaged by ageism. It is a privilege not to be perceived negatively when applying for a new job.
One can use privilege to challenge institutional and societal discrimination. Using privilege can take many forms, such as having courageous conversations with family and friends, or advocating for those who do not have the same rights.
