Minorities in networks and algorithms

Social inequalities—structured and recurrent patterns of unequal distribution of wealth, opportunities, and rewards for different social positions or statuses within a group or society—are on the rise (Royce, 2022; Sidik, 2022), and current solutions to these problems are insufficient or failing (Butler & Watt, 2006). For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed growing inequality in the mortality rate of minorities and marginalized groups, which is due to existing structural inequalities (Bambra et al., 2020). Structural inequality is one of the complex manifestations of social inequalities in which institutions, policies, and societies create privilege systems resulting from a confluence of unequal relations in roles, functions, decisions, rights, and opportunities (Stolte & Emerson, 1977), which ultimately produces structural barriers to equality and inclusiveness.