The different institutions in our society do not serve everyone equally.
As humans, we are all affected by the institutions put in place in our society. My role as a woman in the workforce is influenced by pre-existing rules and norms. As a whole, women statistically face more discrimination in the workplace, whether that be financially or sexually.
My role as a daughter is influenced by the makeup of my family. Having divorced parents gave me a different kind of familial structure than many of my friends in my teen years.
My role as a white person gives me a privilege that people of color don’t get. Systematically, I am viewed and treated differently.
In the final digital edition of our semester-long look into culture, Ball Bearings discusses the culture surrounding various institutions in our society. The writers touch on gender in the workplace, family structure, and racial disparities in the justice system with a specific examination of the marijuana industry.
One story focuses on the institution of religion and the writer’s inner conflict with the church. Another asks people what volunteerism means to them. One writer dives into Greek Life and the culture of fraternities. Finally, a photographer shows the reasoning behind different people’s decisions to join the military through a photo essay.
Exploring different facets of culture this semester has taught me a lot about other people. I feel like I have a better understanding of different backgrounds that I previously knew nothing about, and I hope all of Ball Bearings’ readers feel the same. So, join me in reading my last issue as editor-in-chief as we discuss institutional culture.
