What term best describes unearned advantages that accrue to members of certain social groups at the cost of marginalized groups?

The term that best describes unearned advantages that accrue to members of certain social groups at the cost of marginalized groups is privilege. Privilege refers to the systemic benefits and rights individuals receive based on their social identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, without having to work for them. These advantages are often invisible to those who possess them and can manifest in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.

Understanding privilege is crucial in social work, as it highlights the disparities that exist between different groups in society and informs interventions that aim to address social inequalities. By recognizing privilege, social workers can approach their practice with greater awareness of the power dynamics at play and strive to advocate for those who are disadvantaged.

In contrast, equity pertains to fairness and justice in outcomes, emphasizing the need for fairness rather than treating everyone the same. Accessibility refers to the ease of obtaining services and resources, while discrimination involves treating individuals or groups unfairly based on characteristics such as race or gender. Although all these concepts relate to social justice, they do not directly capture the idea of unearned advantages as clearly as privilege does.