Final answer:
One way that colleges promote inequality is through access and affordability, as well as their admissions processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
One way that colleges promote inequality is through access and affordability. Colleges and universities often have high tuition fees, making it difficult for students from low-income backgrounds to afford higher education. This creates a barrier for these students to pursue higher education and can perpetuate economic inequality. For example, if a student from a wealthy family can afford to attend a prestigious university while a student from a low-income family cannot, this creates a disparity in opportunities and resources.
Furthermore, colleges also play a role in perpetuating inequality through their admissions processes. Some colleges heavily consider extracurricular activities, legacy status, and personal connections when making admissions decisions. This can disadvantage students from marginalized backgrounds who may not have access to the same opportunities or connections. For instance, a student whose parents are alumni of a particular college may have a higher chance of admission, even if their academic qualifications are similar or lower compared to other applicants.
Overall, colleges can promote inequality through factors such as access, affordability, and admission processes, creating disparities in opportunities and perpetuating socioeconomic inequality.