Which statement best defines 'social inequality'?

The statement that best defines 'social inequality' is the one that highlights the evident disparities in wealth and opportunity. Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities among individuals or groups within a society. This encompasses various aspects, including economic status, access to education and healthcare, job opportunities, and social privileges.

Understanding social inequality involves recognizing how these disparities affect life chances, leading to different outcomes based on one's social standing. The focus on the evident disparities captures the essence of social inequality, as it points to the systemic issues that create and perpetuate differences in living conditions and opportunities among different social groups.

In contrast, a statement about fair allocation of resources does not accurately reflect the reality of social inequality, as it implies an ideal state that does not typically exist. Similarly, while the varying levels of access to education are an important facet of social inequality, they do not encompass all aspects of the term. Lastly, the idea of universal opportunities for all social groups suggests equality rather than inequality, contradicting the definition of social inequality itself.