What Is Privilege?

Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation

You know how some kids have a big backyard to play in and some kids don't? That's not because one kid is better — it's just that their families have different things. Privilege is kind of like that. It means some people have certain things that make life a little easier, and they didn't really have to do anything special to get them.

Think about it this way: if you can walk into any store and nobody watches you suspiciously, or if you can go to a really good school near your house, those are advantages that not every kid has. Privilege means some things are just easier for you because of things like where you live or what your family has.

Having privilege doesn't make someone a bad person. Most people have some kind of advantage and don't even know it. It's kind of like if you were born knowing how to swim while other kids had to learn — it's not your fault, but it's important to notice that not everyone starts at the same place.

The most important thing about privilege is being kind about it. When you notice that something is easier for you than for someone else, you can help! You can share, include others, and be a good friend to everyone — especially to kids who might have a harder time than you do.

Ages 6-8 More Detail

Privilege means having advantages that make certain parts of life easier for you, often because of something you were born with or born into — not because you earned it. For example, a kid whose family has enough money for tutors, sports camps, and field trips has an advantage over a kid whose family can't afford those things. That's a type of privilege.

Privilege comes in many forms. Some people have advantages because of their race — in many places, people of certain races have an easier time in school, at work, or with the police. Some people have advantages because of their gender, their family's income, whether or not they have a disability, or what language they speak. These advantages don't mean life is perfect for anyone — just that there are certain problems some people don't face.

A good way to understand privilege is to think about it like a headwind and a tailwind when you ride a bike. When the wind is at your back (a tailwind), pedaling feels easy and you might not even notice the wind helping you. When the wind is in your face (a headwind), everything is harder and you feel every push. Privilege is like having a tailwind — you might not always notice it, but it's there.

It's important to know that having privilege doesn't make you a bad person. Everyone has some advantages and some disadvantages. The point isn't to feel guilty — it's to notice that not everyone starts in the same place and to think about how you can be fair and helpful to people who face challenges you don't.

Understanding privilege helps you be more understanding of other people's experiences. When a classmate is struggling, it might not be because they're not trying hard enough — they might be facing obstacles you don't see. Being aware of privilege makes you a more thoughtful and caring friend and community member.

Ages 9-12 Full Explanation

Privilege refers to unearned advantages that certain people have simply because of who they are or the circumstances they were born into. It can relate to race, gender, family wealth, ability, religion, or many other characteristics. Having privilege doesn't mean you've never worked hard or that you've never struggled — it means there are specific barriers you don't face that others in different circumstances do.

One of the clearest examples of privilege involves family income. A student whose family can afford a good neighborhood with a well-funded school, a quiet room to study in, a personal computer, and private tutoring has real advantages over a student whose family lives in a neighborhood with an underfunded school, works a job after school to help pay bills, and shares a small apartment with several family members. Both students might be equally smart and equally determined, but one starts with significant advantages.

Privilege also operates along lines of race, gender, and ability. Studies have shown that people with the same qualifications can have very different experiences applying for jobs, interacting with the justice system, or seeking housing depending on their race. Men and women can face different expectations and treatment in the same settings. People without disabilities can access buildings, transportation, and activities that may present real challenges for someone who uses a wheelchair or who is blind or deaf.

A common misunderstanding about privilege is that having it means your life is easy. That's not the case. A white person from a poor family faces real economic hardship, even though they may not face racial discrimination. A wealthy person with a disability has financial advantages but faces barriers related to accessibility. Most people have some areas of privilege and some areas where they face challenges. The concept of privilege is about understanding specific advantages, not ranking people's overall lives.

Another misunderstanding is that talking about privilege is meant to make people feel guilty. It's actually meant to build awareness. When you understand that some people face obstacles you don't, you can be more understanding, more supportive, and more fair. You can also think about how systems — like schools, workplaces, and communities — could be designed to give everyone a more equal starting point.

Understanding privilege at your age is valuable because it shapes how you see the world and how you treat people around you. When a classmate struggles, instead of assuming they're not trying hard enough, you might consider what challenges they face that you don't. When you succeed, you can celebrate your hard work while also acknowledging the support and advantages that helped you. This kind of awareness doesn't take anything away from you — it adds depth, empathy, and fairness to how you navigate your school, your friendships, and eventually, the wider world.