Social inequality is a problem that affects the socioeconomic well-being of citizens of a state, community or country. Social inequalities are closely related to social injustices and in the most extreme cases turn out to be a violation of human rights.
Below are 8 extreme examples of social inequality that exist in the world. In this way, we can become more aware of injustices so that we can think about solutions that help everyone enjoy the same rights and benefits, respecting our differences of class, race, economic situation, ethnicity or gender.
See also Social equality.
Extreme poverty
The disparity between the rich and the poor is becoming more pronounced. Billionaires are getting richer and the poor are being dragged into ever more extreme poverty.
People in extreme poverty often find themselves excluded due to the lack of resources to get out of this situation. Furthermore, the social assistance they could receive requires bureaucratic, complicated or inaccessible administrative processes.
The role of social workers in many countries does not cover all marginalized families, perpetuating the state of constant vulnerability in which they find themselves.
See also Poverty.
Unemployment and precarious work
Unemployment rates are increasingly high and the difference in productivity per worker between urban regions and other areas is significant. In Mexico, for example, it reaches a difference of 30%, being one of the highest among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Soft laws or the lack of them towards companies that hire informal workers increases precarious work. The informality present in these labor relations also facilitates the exploitation of the individual. Furthermore, the lack of knowledge about the labor subsidies that exist for these workers increases precariousness.
The increase in young people who are not studying, working or in training also reflects a global problem that increases inequality due to unemployment.
See also Unemployment.
Malnutrition and infant mortality
According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 5.6 million children die of hunger each year due to poor quality or lack of hygiene. Furthermore, the increase in early pregnancies in girls and adolescents increases the risk of children without sufficient support for a healthy life.
See also Early pregnancy.
Ethnic and cultural discrimination
Differential treatment due to a person’s ethnic or cultural origin causes isolation, marginalization and discrimination of social actors with less social power. Those who receive preferential treatment due to their condition cause inequality in access to the same resources.
Class distinction can be seen, for example, in society’s treatment of native peoples and indigenous populations. This generates social inequality that manifests itself in the membership of these groups in the poorest social strata, which entails the difficulties inherent to this condition.
See also Discrimination.
Lack of access to education
School education is a fundamental right. Despite this, many countries, states and communities do not have the right to education due to the lack of public education coverage. This causes a deficiency in the skills necessary to enter the labor market.
On the other hand, paternity and maternity leave periods are minimal or non-existent in many countries. This hinders the stability and care that the child needs, including entry into the formal education system.
See also Education.
Tax injustice
The tax regime favorable to corporations and wealthier individuals creates a disparity in profits, assets, and economic power. An example of this is the existence of tax havens, tax evasion and evasion, all of which reduces government income that could be used to generate employment, education and social services.
The credibility of the fiscal rule makes fiscal policy more inclusive, sustainable and transparent.
Income inequality
According to the OECD, Turkey, Mexico and Israel are the countries that have the greatest income inequality compared to other countries in the world. This economic disparity causes a decrease in the quality of life, in access to basic resources due to poverty, and in the well-being and prosperity of the individual.
Concentration of political power
The existence of privileged sectors generalizes corruption and crime within the political sphere. Additionally, it creates unreliable judicial processes increasing class discrimination and social injustice.
See also 8 examples of social injustice in the world.
Gender inequality
Women and sexual minority communities (LGBT) are generally subject to discriminatory practices in the workplace, emotional and social spheres. This makes them more vulnerable to discrimination and gender violence.
In this sense, gender inequality causes a decrease in opportunities, increasing disparities regarding housing, safety and health.
See also Gender violence.