Should Inequity Exist?

Inequity, Blog #4

Maria Kozdroy

9-8-14

*Please note, this is to be used as a response to class readings and discussion.

In this blog post I am going to argue that technological inequity can be removed, if determination and willingness is present. 

Should Inequity exist?

                Why does inequity exist?  There are many answers one can answer  this question with.  According to Edward Woodhouse and Daniel Sarewitz, “Another reason for expecting scientific inquiry to sometimes lead to increased inequity is that knowledge-intensive innovation is prized for economic growth,” (3).  Many economies thrive on people’s finance.  If you’re not working hard, you’re not bringing business to the economy, as simple as that.  However, with the increasing number of poor societies in the world, is it possible to ever change them to resemble more like the sophisticated society I live in.  Water pollution control places and sewers are taken for granted here , yet there are many people that have jobs dedicated to watching over, maintaining, and fixing them, when the time comes.  I believe inequity can be stopped if the poorer societies are given new water and sanitary innovations and learn wisely how to manage them.

                In our STS textbook, Professor Woodhouse mentions yes private sectors can go into poorer  societies and provide them with new infrastructure at a low cost, yet, that does not mean they will be taken care of and maintained.  Is funding the ultimate problem in poorer societies?  Yes, it is a major concern; and donations too will not necessarily be enough.  However, companies, such as Water for the People, has begun educating  people in these poorer societies how to manage cleaning and handling them.  Why not encourage people to be determined enough to start a newly based economy, offering jobs to individuals  willing to watch the supplies coming into the area and maintain control of the newly implemented systems.  Not only will these societies be more sanitary, but it will also create more jobs.  Will the company that is sponsoring this project ever receive a monetary incentive from starting up this new economy?  The company will surely gain a better reputation and hopefully more stocks will be invested in this company, giving rise to a higher market capitalization.  Thus,  growing successfully in an economic sense.

                Another question that was raised in the readings is how should water and sanitation human rights be distributed.  The society I live in there seems to be an equal distribution of these rights already as a result of paying for the water and sanitation services, yet in other societies, people struggle paying for them..  The only way they will ever become fairly distributed human rights, is if companies are willing to invest a little with a small portion too coming from the poorer society to demonstrate that they are willing to maintain it and desire to really want help, and a portion from government.  If a company purchases water and sanitation stations, they will feel “better” morally and hopefully economically in the overall outcome.  It may take years, but in due time, it should all be worth it.  This proposal may sound a bit foolish to some, yet I would invest in it.  In an economy like this nowadays, it may not seem worth it, but on a more personal level I would do it. 

                In conclusion, innovations that help societies sufficiently run should be implemented with the determination that they will successfully be managed to last and begin to prosper.  There are many pros and cons to this projected idea, yet hopefully the pros will take precedence.  

References:
http://www.ehow.com/info_7968958_investing-stocks-benefit-company.html

Chapter 3 of STS textbook by Edward Woodhouse

"Science Policies for Reducing Societal Inequities" article by Edward Woodhouse and Daniel Sarewitz