Equality starts with a capital 'C'

by Stella Baker

  Starting the word equality with a letter it doesn't contain might seem strange. But the letter 'C' I have in mind is no ordinary letter C. This letter C is one which determines the nature and quality of our life. It shapes our identity, our thinking, our behaviour, influences the way we communicate and interact with others, and colours our aspirations, hopes and dreams. It also gives us a sense of the world around us, makes it clear what is permissible and acceptable, and what isn't, and exists on many different levels in society.

  The C in question is culture. Culture is something which exists on many different levels in society. We often talk about national culture, international culture, but culture is the shared awareness, understanding and knowledge common to all members of any social group. Entire continents and countries have their own culture, so too do cities and towns, and so too do individual families, workplaces and friendships. Sometimes different cultures are similar – for example rural culture doesn't vary much throughout the world, but sometimes they are different.

  The development of culture in a community or society is no less important than the striving for equality. Like equality and technology, investment and development in culture brings numerous tangible benefits to people and their lives. If you care to stop and think about the things which benefit you in your life, chances are that it will come from some development of either culture or technology – your computer, your smartphone, your DVD player, your mp3 playlist, your books.

  Culture is also the necessary interface for equality. The Equality Act 2010 would make Britain a world leader when it comes to diversity and equality, but passing legislation alone is not enough to promote equality in society. It also has to become part of culture and through this part of everybody's mindset, influencing their thinking when it comes to others. Through culture people can become more aware, less ignorant, and develop a greater understanding of what makes people different and why.

  Development of culture is also very important to maintain cohesion in the community and society. Britain is a part of English language culture, a culture which is dominant throughout the world which the whole world wants to share and be a part of. Much of what becomes English language culture comes out of poverty and struggle. Much of what forms the basis of modern music came out of the struggles of slavery and racial segregation in the Deep South in the US, Hollywood was born out of the Great Depression, and when culture is sufficiently developed it can promote not just social cohesion but also inspire opportunities which create jobs, livelihoods and economic prosperity.

  However culture can also go into decline, particularly when it is neglected or left to private enterprise to develop. Periods of cultural decline bring about moral decline and social fragmentation, promoting social division, inequality, crime, and many of the social issues we know of today, such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, political extremism and bigotry. This can be seen particularly on both sides of the Atlantic when cultural development was abandoned in favour of a war on terrorism and military intervention in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

  Investment in culture and the promotion of cultural development is something which is not only very important and necessary for society, but is also completely sustainable. Every single human being alive on this planet today is capable of some form of creative activity, each and every one of us has a need to interact with others, we have our own ideas, interests and abilities, and we all need the acknowledgment, recognition and to be valued by others.

  I personally feel that investment in culture and cultural development should be one of the responsibilities of the government and public sector. Culture can play an essential role in education, local communities and even welfare and social security to create the basis for a fairer and much more equal society, one which can promote social cohesion and provide opportunities, and benefits to everyone in society.

  I also feel that by exporting culture to other countries and helping them to promote and develop their own culture is a key step towards resolving Third World poverty and would make for a safer, more peaceful world.