The extensive usage of fairness in our lives makes one wonder if the ability to determine what is fair or unfair is inherited from birth. Reward centers of the brain are activated when a fair action is made, and a punishment is given to those who are unfair (Rettner, 2010). In experiments animals have shown an ability to determine what is fair and what isn’t (Hauser, 2010). Babies have been tested whether or not they can determine fair and unfair situations (source).
Opposition to the innate idea of fairness has been presented through studies done observing how socialization creates fairness in individuals. This idea presents plausible statements; however the examples above support the statement that the ability to evaluate inequity is thoroughly involved in defining relationships between human beings as well as in animals. We can therefore state that the ability to determine fairness is innate.
Fairness is an issue that permeates all aspects of the human life. The author Edith Wharton does a fantastic job in highlighting an example of inequity through her book The Age of Innocence. Her quality story dealt with the tension of family wealth, as well as the conflict between the concepts of marriage. In the 1800s, women’s roles were considered unimportant when it came to marriage; men made the money for their family and therefore took control of the relationship. Women were only present to raise the kids, cook meals, take care of their husband and provide a perfect family image for society. In history, women were irritated by this unfairness of roles, which is why the women’s rights movement was so popular in the 1800s. Wharton displays inequity by allowing the main character, the husband, to realize how unfair his relationship with his wife is; “Women ought to be free- as free as we are” (Edith Wharton book).
Marriage is only one example of inequity; fairness plays a role in legal decisions, sports games, and war (Fairness.com). Our perception of fairness... [continues]
Opposition to the innate idea of fairness has been presented through studies done observing how socialization creates fairness in individuals. This idea presents plausible statements; however the examples above support the statement that the ability to evaluate inequity is thoroughly involved in defining relationships between human beings as well as in animals. We can therefore state that the ability to determine fairness is innate.
Fairness is an issue that permeates all aspects of the human life. The author Edith Wharton does a fantastic job in highlighting an example of inequity through her book The Age of Innocence. Her quality story dealt with the tension of family wealth, as well as the conflict between the concepts of marriage. In the 1800s, women’s roles were considered unimportant when it came to marriage; men made the money for their family and therefore took control of the relationship. Women were only present to raise the kids, cook meals, take care of their husband and provide a perfect family image for society. In history, women were irritated by this unfairness of roles, which is why the women’s rights movement was so popular in the 1800s. Wharton displays inequity by allowing the main character, the husband, to realize how unfair his relationship with his wife is; “Women ought to be free- as free as we are” (Edith Wharton book).
Marriage is only one example of inequity; fairness plays a role in legal decisions, sports games, and war (Fairness.com). Our perception of fairness... [continues]
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(2011, 01). Is Fairness and Inequity Innate?. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 01, 2011, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Is-Fairness-And-Inequity-Innate-567177.html
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"Is Fairness and Inequity Innate?" StudyMode.com. 01 2011. 01 2011 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Is-Fairness-And-Inequity-Innate-567177.html>.
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"Is Fairness and Inequity Innate?." StudyMode.com. 01, 2011. Accessed 01, 2011. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Is-Fairness-And-Inequity-Innate-567177.html.
