In a recent interview on health equity, Thomas LaVeist, dean of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discussed Social Security policy and its connection to life expectancy disparities.

LaVeist used Social Security as an example of how structural inequities can appear in societal systems. He presented a hypothetical scenario involving a Black worker and a White worker starting their careers simultaneously, earning equal salaries, and contributing equally to Social Security. Due to the disparity in average life expectancies between these groups, the White worker, statistically living longer, would ultimately receive more benefits despite equal contributions.

Thomas LaVeist, the dean of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. (The Washington Post)

LaVeist emphasized that while he wasn't labeling Social Security as inherently racist, the system's outcomes are unequal due to pre-existing health disparities. He highlighted the importance of addressing these systemic issues to ensure equitable outcomes. He stated that without intervention, the system would perpetuate these inequities.

Equity, rather than equality has been a rising term in liberal politics in recent years, particularly when it comes to concepts such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and its related trainings. (Adobe Stock)