Inequality is linked to the absence of equality: when two or more elements are different, they are unequal. Social, meanwhile, is that related to society (the community of individuals who live together under certain rules and have common interests).
The idea of social inequality, in this framework, refers to what happens when different groups live in dissimilar situations. The concept is usually associated with economic differences, which in turn are reflected in multiple issues. See Abbreviation Finder for acronyms related to Social Inequality.
When there is social inequality, people do not have the same possibilities of access to resources (which are finite). This supposes unequal treatment and, therefore, discrimination. Inequality means that the chances of progress for a sector of the population are affected.
Suppose that an investigation reveals that only 30% of individuals born in rural towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants manage to complete secondary school, while the percentage of subjects with completed secondary education at the national level reaches 85%. In turn, those without a high school degree are known to be unable to get well-paying jobs. These situations cause a marked social inequality to be registered between the inhabitants of the smallest rural towns and those who live in the rest of the country.
The most violent societies tend to have significant social inequality: opportunities for progress and resources are in the hands of a minority, while the majority of people are forced to subsist as best they can. Violent confrontations, in this context, are frequent.
It goes without saying that social inequality is a problem that affects all countries, although its impact may be different in each one. This leads us to search for solutions, something that in some cases is addressed in a particular way, that is, at the national level, while in others it is an effort undertaken by groups of countries.
The fundamental question that arises in principle is “can something be done to fight against social inequality?” ; if so, “what can be done?” . Here are some of the tactics that can be used to solve this problem globally:
* cooperation and development: cooperation and development projects are ideal for reducing social inequality. Its design and implementation remains in the hands of the most developed countries, which have the necessary resources to get involved in these initiatives and help the least favored through contributions and donations, among other ways of compensating for their shortcomings to allow them to make their way;
* protection of civilians: one of the most common causes of forced migration is war. Once again, the most developed countries have the possibility of collaborating with those affected, either by offering them shelter, helping them to move or providing them with medical and psychological assistance. In the midst of an emergency situation, it is essential that governments guarantee the protection of the people;
* Fair tax systems: the creation of a fair tax system would lead to a reality in which each individual contributes according to their assets. As the reality is far from said balance, people evade their fiscal responsibilities and this leads to a lack of resources on the part of governments to invest in the most important areas. In short, any form of corruption should be fought to achieve a world without social inequality;
* access to fundamental public resources: it is important to highlight that the economy is not the only level in which social inequality is noticed, but that it begins with the lack of access to basic services, something that millions of people suffer unfairly. When a power appropriates certain natural resources, a large portion of society cannot lead a decent life.