9 extreme examples of social inequality
Social inequality is a problem that affects the socio-economic welfare of the citizens of a state, community or country. Social inequalities are intimately related to social injustices and in the most extreme cases turn out to be a violation of human rights.
Below, we describe 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 of solutions that help everyone enjoy the same rights and benefits while respecting our differences in class, race, economic situation, ethnicity or gender.
Social inequality: Extreme poverty
The disparity between the rich and the poor is increasingly accentuated. The billionaires are getting richer and richer and the poor are dragged into ever more extreme poverty. Read more:Â 8 examples of social injustice in the world
People in situations of extreme poverty are often excluded due to lack of resources to get out of this situation. In addition, the social assistance they may 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.
Social inequality: Unemployment and precarious work
Unemployment rates are increasing 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. In addition, the lack of knowledge about the labor subsidies that exist for these workers increases precariousness.
The increase in young people who do not study, work or are in training also reflects a global problem that increases inequality due to unemployment.
Social inequality: Malnutrition and infant mortality
According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 5.6 million children die of hunger every year due to the poor quality or lack of hygiene of these. In addition, the increase in early pregnancies in girls and adolescents increases the risk of children without enough sustenance for a healthy life.
Social inequality: Ethnic and cultural discrimination
The differential treatment due to the ethnic or cultural origin of a person causes isolation, marginalization, and discrimination of social actors with less social power. Those who receive preferential treatment for their condition cause an inequality in access to the same resources.
The distinction of classes can be seen, for example, in the treatment of society towards native peoples and indigenous populations. This generates a social inequality that manifests itself in the belonging of these groups to the poorest social strata, which entails the difficulties inherent to this condition.
Social inequality: Shortage 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, the terms of paternity and maternity leave are minimal or nonexistent in many countries. This hinders the stability and cares that the child needs, including entering the formal education system.
Social inequality: Fiscal injustice
The favorable tax regime for wealthier companies and people creates a disparity in benefits, assets and economic power. An example of this is the existence of tax havens, evasion and tax evasion, all of which reduces government revenues 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.
Social inequality: Income inequality
According to the OECD, Turkey, Mexico and Israel are the countries with the highest income inequality with respect 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 welfare and prosperity of the individual.
Social inequality: Concentration of political power
The existence of privileged sectors generalizes corruption and crime within the political sphere. In addition, it creates unreliable judicial processes increasing class discrimination and social injustice.
Social inequality: Gender inequality
Women and minority sexual communities (LGBT) are generally subjected to discriminatory practices in the workplace, effective and social. This makes them more vulnerable to discrimination and gender violence.
In this sense, gender inequality causes a decrease in opportunities, increasing the disparities regarding housing, security, and health. Continue reading Paranoid thoughts in relationships: why do they appear?
Conclusion
The social inequality is a socioeconomic situation that occurs when a community, social or collective group receives less favorable treatment with respect to other members of the environment to which they belong. It is not only manifested in aspects such as purchasing power, which is undoubtedly the main cause of exclusion and the lack of opportunities in many parts of the world. Other elements that can motivate social inequality are culture, ethnicity, race, religion, origin and nationality, customs and ideology. That is why in almost all cases social inequality entails, in addition to a situation of marginalization and isolation, the identification of those social groups that have been directly affected by this circumstance.
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