Social Cohesion, Diversity, and Combating Discrimination
Understanding Plural Societies and Dignity
Identity and Coexistence in a Plural Society
Identity: We identify ourselves based on where we were born, the language we speak, and the customs and ideas we hold.
Plural Society: Our society is composed of individuals and groups with varied characteristics. To live in peace and progress, both as individuals and as a society, we must learn to coexist civilly with those who are different from us. Being a good neighbor requires an effort of understanding and respect from all members.
Universal Dignity and Equality
All members of society are people, and we possess the same dignity.
Origin, Nationality, and Race
Nationality, country of origin, skin color, or language spoken does not make people better, worse, or inferior to others.
Gender and Equality
Being male or female is an essential element of the person, but it grants no privilege or capability for dominance of some people over others.
Socioeconomic Status
Having a higher or lower economic level does not make people better or worse.
Respecting Beliefs
Having particular religious beliefs, or not having them, neither grants nor removes any rights from individuals. It is therefore a grave disrespect to mock or belittle those who express their religious beliefs in a civilized manner.
Challenges to Social Cohesion: Discrimination
Racism and Xenophobia
Racism (R): Attitudes of violence against people because of their ethnicity.
Xenophobia (X): Hostility towards people based on the fact that they are foreigners.
Manifestations of Social Racism
- Verbal attacks.
- Discrimination in access to housing or jobs.
- Marginalization in social networks.
Addressing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves women being assaulted or killed by their partners or former partners. These tragic events do not emerge suddenly; they are preceded by gestures of contempt, insults, or threats. Many husbands wrongly consider their wives as personal possessions who must always obey what they say. It is important to note that there are also cases where men are abused.
Poverty and Social Exclusion
Defining Poverty and Exclusion
In the EU, a person is considered poor if their income is less than 50% of the average income of the country. Poverty is closely linked to unemployment, as work is the main source of income. Illiterate people are often most affected by extreme poverty.
Types of Poverty (Based on Income Percentage of Average)
- Economic Precariousness: 35% to 50%.
- Moderate Poverty: 25% to 35%.
- Severe Poverty: 15% to 25%.
- Extreme Poverty: Less than 15%.
Social Exclusion: This term is often used when referring to severe poverty.
In Spain, approximately 20% of the population lives below the poverty line (around 8.5 million people), with 0.5 million living in extreme poverty.
Freedom of Thought and State Secularism
Diversity of Thought and Religion
The freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a fundamental human right. While Spain was historically Catholic, it now includes Orthodox, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and unbelievers.
Current demographics (approximate): 82% Catholic, 15% Other, 3% Non-believers.
In a democratic society, everyone should be able to live without their belief or disbelief resulting in any discrimination.
The Role of Religions
All religions share in common the belief in a supreme reality that offers answers to the deepest questions of human existence. All religions offer their faithful guidance on ethical attitudes aimed at achieving happiness.
State Secularism (Non-Denominational Status)
Spain is a non-denominational state. A nondenominational state is not identified with any particular religion, ensuring citizens are free to follow any religion or none at all.
This status is sometimes misunderstood, leading people to mistakenly believe that religious expression is prohibited.