ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Structural inequality in education

Structural inequality in education means that not all students have the same opportunities and resources to learn and succeed in school. It's like if we were all playing a game of hide and seek, but some of us had a better hiding spot or more time to hide, while others didn't have as much space or time to hide.

For example, some schools have better teachers, curriculum, and facilities than others. Some students have access to more educational resources and support, like tutors, books, and technology, while others don't. Some students have to deal with more distractions and challenges outside of school, like poverty, discrimination, or family issues, which can make it harder for them to focus and succeed in class.

So, when we talk about structural inequality in education, we're not just talking about individual differences in talent or effort. We're talking about how the rules and systems of our society, like funding, policies, and cultural beliefs, can create unfair advantages and disadvantages for different groups of students.

This means that some students start the game of education with a head start, while others have to work harder just to catch up. It's not a fair game, and that's why many people are working to change the rules and make education more equitable for everyone.