On Inequality – Cumulatively ravaging effects of inequality

Source: The post on Inequality has been created on the article “Cumulatively ravaging effects of inequality” published in Indian Express on 18^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Salient features of society

News: This article discusses various forms of inequality around the world, including economic, gender, caste, and cultural inequality. It highlights the need for fair leadership in politics and corporations to address these inequalities and improve our society.

What is Inequality?

Inequality is the state of not being equal, especially in terms of status, rights, and opportunities.

The various types of inequality are:

Gender Inequality: Involves unequal treatment or perceptions based on gender. Iceland’s Prime Minister’s involvement in a strike against the gender pay gap, despite Iceland’s reputation for gender equality, exemplifies this issue.

Caste Inequality: This is discrimination based on caste, particularly prevalent in India. Social reformers like B R Ambedkar have historically fought against this, advocating for the ‘annihilation’ of caste to achieve true political and economic reforms.

For information on caste inequality read here

Cultural Inequality: This refers to unequal opportunities and treatment in the cultural or creative sectors. An example is the recent Hollywood strike, where technicians, writers, and actors are protesting against a widening disparity in earnings and the threat of technology, showcasing the challenges faced by those not in the limelight.

Corporate Inequality: Seen in unfair practices within corporations. The incident of Qantas illegally sacking 1,700 workers and issues of disproportionate executive pay illustrate this form of inequality.

For more details on inequality read here

What are the issues with inequality?

Gender Inequality Consequences: Results in limited opportunities for women, such as lower pay for the same work and underrepresentation in leadership roles. It can also lead to increased incidents of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Impact of Caste Inequality: Hinders social and economic mobility, perpetuating poverty and limiting access to education and jobs for lower caste groups. It fosters social divisions and discrimination.

Cultural Inequality Effects: Creates disparities in recognition and rewards within the cultural sector, leading to a sense of insecurity among lesser-known artists and technicians. It can also limit the diversity of voices and creativity in cultural expressions.

Corporate Inequality Ramifications: Leads to worker dissatisfaction, strikes, and legal challenges. It can also result in a lack of trust in corporate leadership and a decrease in employee morale and productivity.

For more information on the issue with inequality read here

What should be done?

Reducing Cultural Disparities: Support equitable treatment and opportunities in cultural sectors, as shown by Hollywood workers’ strike for fair earnings and against the impact of technology.

Correcting Corporate Injustices: Practice more empathetic and understanding leadership in corporations, and ensure fair treatment of workers, as highlighted by the case of Qantas’s illegal worker sacking.

Tackling Gender Inequality: Follow examples like Iceland’s proactive steps, including strikes led by leaders, to address gender pay gaps and sexual violence.

For more information on Caste Inequality, read here.

Question for practice:

Examine the various strategies that can be implemented to address different forms of inequality.