Social Inequality and Poverty Overview

UCSP Objectives

• Define social inequality
• Identify inequalities prevalent in society
• Distinguish government programs and initiatives addressing inequalities
• Discuss the government programs and initiatives in addressing social inequalities
• Propose ways to address social inequalities in society

Social Inequality

• Lack of access to natural and societal resources
• Denial of choices and opportunities
• Lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society
• Unequal, ineffective, and inefficient allocation of goods and services
• Some people have more resources than enough to last their entire lives

Poverty

• Lack of adequate financial resources
• Lack of the means to subsist or acquire essential necessities for a flourishing life

Classification of Poverty

• Absolute (or extreme) poverty
• Relative poverty

Absolute (or Extreme) Poverty

• Severe deprivation of basic necessities
• Minimum standard of living that no one should be below

Relative Poverty

• Inadequate access to goods and services compared to the standards in a country
• Divided into:
  • Rural poverty: Associated with people living outside cities and towns, in agricultural settings
  • Urban poverty: Closely linked with large populations in cities and towns

Programs in Alleviating Poverty

• Provide better living conditions for the poorest segment of society
• Livelihood projects
• Education development programs or medical missions
• Feeding programs
• Microfinance for small-scale livelihoods
• Enterprise projects
• Community-driven development initiatives
• Promotion of education, science, technology, and population development
• Natural resource sustainability projects

Conditional Fund Transfer Program

• Government (or private entity) provides cash to families living in absolute or relative poverty who meet certain criteria
• Goal is to provide accessible financial assistance for basic necessities

Other Forms of Social and Political Inequality

• Gender inequality: Major issue globally, with discrimination facing girls and women in many areas
• Ethnic minorities: Group of people with distinct national or cultural traditions different from the majority
• Persons with disabilities: 10% of the world's population, often victims of discrimination, violence, and rape
• Global inequalities: Significant difference between the rich, middle class, and poor populations globally, hindering cooperation and potentially compromising progress

Ways to Reduce Inequality Through Economic Democracy

• Check on illicit outflows: Inadequate resources in developing countries for health, education, sanitation, and investment in the poorest citizens create extreme inequality
• Progressive income tax: How much the highest earners should be taxed is a matter of debate, with proposals such as a top rate of 65% on the top 1% income
• Global wealth tax: Wealth accumulates over generations; wealth taxes could help combat extreme inequality
• Living wage: Governments should establish and enforce a national living wage for workers and those in related businesses
• The right to organize: Workers have the right to organize to have more equal societies
• End to labor abuses: Companies replacing permanent employment with temporary or contingent labor
• Open and democratic trade policy: International trade agreements should involve all parties; not just bureaucrats and corporate lobbyists
• New economics: Economics should value humanitarian values over arcane economic theory and improve the lives of everyone

Five Reasons Why We Need More Equality

• Health: Life expectancy and mortality rates are lower in equal societies
• Social relationships: Higher levels of social cohesion, trust and social capital exist in equal societies
• Human capital development: Higher scores on the UNICEF index of child well-being in equal countries
• Economic progress and stability: Poverty reduction is positively impacted by income equality, and more stable economic cycles occur in more equitable societies
• Sustainable economies: More equal societies promote the common good, more cooperation between nations and promote development of international environmental agreements

This quiz focuses on understanding social inequality and poverty, including their definitions, classifications, and government initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. It encourages discussion on the prevalent inequalities in society and proposes potential solutions. Perfect for students studying social sciences.