SHS

Core Subject:
Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Quarter 2 - Module 10
Government Programs and Initiatives in
Addressing Social Inequalities
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Understanding Culture, Society and Politics
Quarter 2 – Module 10

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LEARNING COMPETENCY:
Explain government programs and initiatives in addressing social inequalities e.g.
local, national, global
Suggest ways to address social inequalities (local, national, global)

LESSON 10.1: Government Programs in Addressing

Gender Inequalities

INTRODUCTION
The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) defines Gender and
Development Program (GAD) as the development perspective and process that is
participatory and empowering, equitable, equitable, sustainable, free from violence,
respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human
potentials. It seeks to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value that should be
reflected in development choices and contends that women are active agents of
development, not just recipient of development. The purpose of GAD is to ensure that
both men and women can participate in, and benefit from, development in a way that is
equitable. In view of widespread disparities it is a process comprising both short-term
and long-term objectives - "practical and strategic needs" (Molyneux from Moser, 1993).
Gender:
It identifies the difference of women and men in their role in the society, their
ability, values, knowledge, feelings and connections that is being given by their culture.
This is in accordance with the races or culture and it continuous to change across time.
Gender cannot be seen with his/her biological appearance that is being attributed to
male and female thus it involves sociological factors that perhaps affects their attitudes
towards the right contention of gender.

PRE-TEST
Write True if the statement is True and write False if the statement is false.
1. Men and women are of the same interest when it comes to education, job
opportunities and in life.
2. Men and women are equal in all aspect of life.
3. Women are weak, dependent, needs protection, lack of mind setting and emotional.
4. Men are strong, independent, oriented person, responsible, protector and have a
goal/ direction.
5. Gender is influence by culture and other institutions that somehow changes their
personality and outlook in life.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Key Differences Between Sex and Gender:
The difference between Sex and Gender can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

Feminine Masculine
1. Weak Strong
2. Shy Responsible
3. Dependent Independent
4. Mind changing make decisions
5. Emotional Firm
Institution Reinforcing Gender Inequality
Family
Upon birth:
Color Toys household chores
Girl pink doll train to do inside house responsibility
Boy blue oy gun train to do outside of the house responsibility
 Men are more on focusing on responsibility as economic provider; Women is
doing household chores and rearing of children and continue to attach these
connotation and until now there are courses for women like home economics.
 Men are making decisions; Women only support the decision of the Men.
 And even in the eyes of the law (cuncubinage and adultery) the application of
sentence is not the same. ( if the husband kill both the wife and the concubine,
the sentence of the husband is only destiero while if the wife kills both the
husband and the mistress the sentence is parricide/homicide as the case may
 be)
 In school, the required courses for men were not supposed to be for women
 Even in churches, that indeed women were came from men. ( during the wedding
ceremony; (lalaki mahalin mo ang iyong asawa, babae mahalin at sundin mo ang
iyong asawa)
 Mass Media; women are being exploited by mass media in terms of
advertisement because they think that women attracts more rather than men.

Gender Division of Labor: Even in the division of labor, gender become an issue
because accordingly women cannot do all the hard labor so as to say that gender is
really equal.

Social Construction of Gender.

Gender relations are power relations and these institution somehow influences the
gender of a person. Gender socialization is shaped by:
Family starts the gendering at the time the baby is born. It involves Canalization, Verbal
appellation, Manipulation and Activity Exposure.
Manipulation: It is the way the baby is being handled Ex: Girls are handled very
gently and boys are allowed to climb trees
Canalization: It directs people’s attention to gender appropriate objects. Ex: Boys
are given toy guns, ball etc.; while girls are given dolls, playhouse etc.
Verbal Appeallation: These are the words that tell children what should they be,
phrases such as; Boys don't cry, brave boys, pretty girls, girls don't climb trees.
Activity exposure: Boys are being exposed in a hazard roles while girls are only
supporting the boys. Boys are expected to play outside the house while the girls should
be familiarize with the house hold chores.

School:
The formal school system promotes and encourages the different gender roles
between men and women.
The school as gender socializing factor:
 Textbook and language used
  Sex segregation system
 Curriculum used
 Courses encourage and career option

Church:
Church/religion was introduced which the lead the way to patriarchal culture. This
is given that husband should lead the way in raising the family.

Mass Media
Commercialization of women
Degrading of portrayal of women through advertisement, radio, television,
soap operas, article highlights and news items.

State
The state as gender socializing factor
Laws and politics
Political participation and representatives
(The political personality in all political positions are all men/dominated by men)
The state’s functions is far better run by male rather than female because of the so
called firmness in the decision making.
The Government are recognizing the role of women in the development and
nation building by passing laws relevant to women, e.g.: women’s right, VAWC, and by
giving more opportunity in the political arena. There are also organization and sectors
led by women and for women only. The most common example is the women’s
organization in the barangay and the partiylist Gabriela and other sector holding a set in
the congress as partylist representatives. In fact, when President Corazon Aquino
became president, the women, during that time were given distinct recognition and until
now women were given good pedestal in the government.

Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC)

Violence against women and their children: Includes any acts committed by any
person against any women of their children which may result in the physical, sexual,
psychological harm or suffering from economic abuse.
Because of gender biases in society have resulted in acts of violence against women
and their children. There were many cases filed and most frequent offense were
physical abuse /wife battering, psychological abuse, sexual abuse and economic abuse.
As you can see even in school, women are being dominated and sometimes this acts is
being committed by teachers to his fellow teachers or to their students or by the higher
ups to the lower position using their power and position to take advantage to the
women.
There are many persistent issues in the Philippines like gender inequality in household
decision making, inequality in share of reproductive and household responsibilities and
tasks among others but the worse is we neglect the women in the nation building
together with the economic abuses that indeed their rights to be a part of economic
development of the family.

The main points of GAD is to give equal opportunity both the women and men in all
aspects of life. Gender Equality is a human right, promotion of gender equality and
empowering women, rights of individuals to non-discrimination.

Ways to promote gender equality in daily life

SHARE HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND CHILDCARE EQUALLY. ...
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ...
SUPPORT MOTHERS AND PARENTS. …
REJECT CHAUVINIST AND RACIST ATTITUDES. …
HELP WOMEN GAIN POWER. …
LISTEN AND REFLECT. …
HIRE DIVERSITY. …
PAY (AND DEMAND) THE SAME SALARY FOR EQUAL WORK.

To promote gender equality in school, teachers should talk to both male and
female students in a balance way. Research shows that both male and female teachers
often call on male students to speak in class more often than female students. Provide
enough wait time to answer questions. The best educational environment are those that
are fair to all students, male or female. Teachers can create the appearance of gender
bias through unintentional, nonverbal actions. The first step to correcting this problem is
to organize your classroom in a way that makes all students feel equal.
1. Establish rules. It is important that a school/teacher to establish a set of rules
from the very beginning that promote equality. An effective way to this is to create class
rules with students. Asks students to suggest ideas for how to keep an equal and
respectful classroom.
2. Have a classroom seating plan that supports equal participation. If you find
that certain students, regardless of their gender, are not participating in class, try to
change your class seating plan. E.g.: try having students who usually sit in the back
come to the front.
3. Have equal academic and behavior expectations for all students. Teachers
should try to avoid making things easier for either male or female students by giving
them easier questions in class, or trying to solve things for the students. (teachers
should not expect the same to all students)
4. Use group works. Often there will be some students, male or female, who are
not comfortable speaking in front of large classes. In order to give all students the
opportunity to take part in class, group activity is the possible ways to interact with the
students.
After organizing your class in a way that promotes equality, you must consider
the effects of your actions in class.
 Addressing students equally– need to call on or talk to both male and female
students in a balance way.
 Provide enough wait time to answer questions– need time to think about the
answer so as to promote and encourage students to participate in the class
discussion.
 Use gender neutral language– always used a neutral language that will
discriminate both the male and female. Instead of saying “guys” when refer to the
group, say “everybody” or “everyone”.
 Body language– you should realize that the body language is different from male
and female.
 Discipline– if the students insulted another students and appear to gender-based,
students may be discouraged from participating in class in the future.

Activity 1:
 1. What is gender biased? Cut and paste/draw a picture showing that there is a
gender inequality in school.
2. Name a situation of gender inequality committed in your barangay, and what
is/are the solution/s that you may suggest to mitigate/eradicate these act/s.
3. Are the programs of governments in addressing these issues enough to treat
both men and women equal? Why you said so?

Related Laws:
RA 9262 VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children)
- the state recognizes the need to protect the family and its members
particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their safety and
security.
RA 11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law)
RA 6725 (Prohibition on Discrimination against Women)
- prohibits discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of employment
solely on the basis of sex. (any employer favoring a male over a female in
terms of promotions, training opportunities, and other benefits solely on
accounts of sex is considered discrimination).
RA 7882 (Assistance for small-scale women entrepreneur)
- provide all possible assistance to Filipino women in their pursuit of owning,
operating and managing small business enterprise.
RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual harassment Act of 1995)
- sexual harassment committed in employment, education, or training
environment. Sexual favors made as a condition in the employment or
granting promotions or privileges; or the refusal to grant the sexual favor
results in limiting, segregating or classifying the employee which in any way
discriminate, deprived, or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise
adversely affect is punishable by law.
RA 8353 (Anti-Rape Law)
- any person having carnal knowledge of a woman through force,
threat, or intimidation or by means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of
authority will be punished under this Law.
RA 8505 (Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998)
RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women)
- seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection,
fulfilment, and promotions of the rights of Filipino women, especially those
belonging in the marginalized sectors of society.
RA 6949 (National Women’s Day)
- all government entities from national to local should observed, engage and
participate in any activity conducted within the premises of their respective
offices/agencies/establishments to celebrate National Women’s day every
8th day of March every year.
GAD (Gender and Development)
Related Laws:
CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women)
RA 9262 VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children)
GAD (Gender and Development)
RA 9262 (Phil. Commission on Women)
RA 11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law)
RA 6725 (Prohibition on Discrimination against Women

LESSON 10.2: Government Programs in Addressing

Inequalities in Ethnic Minorities

INTRODUCTION
"Race understood by most people as a mixture of physical, behavioural and
cultural attributes. Ethnicity recognizes differences between mostly on the basis of
language and shared culture." If someone asked you to describe your identity to them,
where would you begin? Would it come down to your skin color or your nationality?
What about the language you speak, your religion, your cultural traditions or your
family's ancestry? This bewildering question often pushes people to separate their
identities into two parts: race versus ethnicity. But what do these two terms actually
mean, and what's the difference between race and ethnicity in the first place? Words
are often used interchangeably, but technically, they're defined as separate things.
"'Race' and 'ethnicity' have been and continue to be used as ways to describe human
diversity," said Nina Jablonski, an anthropologist and palaebiologist at The
Pennsylvania State University, who is known for her research into the evolution of
human skin color. "Race is understood by most people as a mixture of physical,
behavioral and cultural attributes. Ethnicity recognizes differences between people
mostly on the basis of language and shared culture."

Ethnic Minority is a group of people of a particular race or nationality living in a

country or area where most people are from different race or nationality. How does
ethnicity affects society? Racial and ethnic prejudices affect distribution of wealth,
power, and opportunity, and create enduring social stratifications. Racial pride can
foment racial prejudice, as in the case of white supremacists.Feb 22, 2019
www.nationalgeographic.com

PRE-TEST

Write True if the statement is true and write False if the statement is false.
1. Ethnic minority has been left behind in terms of economic aspects
2. Ethnic Minority is a group of people of a particular race or nationality living in a
country or area where most people are from different race or nationality.
3. There a difference between race and ethnicity.
4. Ethnic minorities may face racism whereas, sexual minorities experience
homophobia and heterosexism.
5. Because of social inequalities, ethnic minorities become vulnerable to discrimination.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Race is understood by most people as a mixture of physical, behavioral and cultural

attributes. Ethnicity recognizes differences between mostly on the basis of language
and shared culture.

One instance where race has been question in the case of the black American in
the United States of America that is being killed by white Americans allegedly because
of race discrimination. With that event, many Americans, black and white made protest
to question the discrimination by the white American police to the black American. That
is a good example of racial discrimination. It differs with Ethnicity that identify by the
language used and their culture.

Example of Social Inequalities:

The major examples of social inequality include income gap, health care, and
social class. In health care, some individuals receive better and more professional care
compared to other.
Racial or Ethnic Minorities:
Every large society contains ethnic minorities: subgroups that share a
common heritage, which often consists of a shared language, culture (often including a
religion), or ideology that stresses common ancestry or endogamy. In this case, while
minority status can be conditioned by a clear numerical difference, more significantly it
refers to issues of political power. In some places, subordinate ethnic groups may
constitute a numerical majority, such as blacks in South Africa under apartheid. In
addition to long-established ethnic minority populations in various nation-states, ethnic
minorities may consist of more recent migrant, indigenous, or landless nomadic
communities residing within, or between, a particular national territories.

Gender and Sexuality Minorities:

Recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a minority
group or groups has gained prominence in the Western world since the nineteenth
century. The abbreviation “LGBT” is currently used to group these identities together.
The term queer is sometimes understood as an umbrella term for all non-normative
sexualities and gender expressions but does not always signify a minority; rather, as
with many gay rights activists of the 1960s and 1970s, it sometimes represents an
attempt to highlight sexual diversity in everyone. While in most societies the numbers of
men and women are roughly equal, the status of women as a oppressed group has led
some, such as feminists and other participants in women’s rights movements, to identify
them as a minority group.
Religious Minorities:
Persons belonging to religious minorities have a faith which is different from that
held by the majority population or the population group that is in power. It is now
accepted in many multicultural societies around the world that people should have the
freedom to choose their own religion, including not having any religion (atheism or
agnosticism), and including the right to convert from one religion to another. However in
some countries this freedom is still either formally restricted or subject to cultural bias
from the majority population.
People with Disabilities:
The disability rights movement has contributed to an understanding of people
with disabilities as a minority or a coalition of minorities who are disadvantaged by
society, not just as people who are disadvantaged by their impairments. Advocates of
disability rights emphasize differences in physical or psychological functioning, rather
than inferiority: for example, some people with autism argue for acceptance of neuro-
diversity, in the same way in which opponents of racism argue for acceptance of ethnic
diversity. The deaf community is often regarded as a linguistic and cultural minority
rather than a group with disabilities, and some deaf people do not see themselves as
having a disability at all. Rather, they are disadvantaged by technologies and social
institutions that are designed to cater to the dominant, hearing-unimpaired group.
Income inequality is growing in many countries and has a negative influence on
educational achievement. While the academic achievement gap received increased
attention recently, it is a global phenomenon. Financial capability of the ethnic minorities
have been questions because of their status in the society. Not only that, education is
the result of social inequality among ethnic groups that may eventually poverty as its
outcome.

In this regards, the government also recognizes the presence of minority in

whatever forms in the government to be heard and to become vulnerable in the society
to reduce the social inequalities.
There are significant inequalities in opportunities in accessing basic services
within and among ethnic groups in the Philippines. Years of schooling and access to
safe water registered the highest inequality (both within- and between-group
components). Higher within-group inequalities exist among Muslim ethnic groups,
particularly the indigenous groups, as well as among a few of the indigenous non-
Muslim ethnic groups. Nonindigenous/non-Muslim ethnic groups are generally better-off
in terms of access to education and other basic services. However, disparities in access
to education (in terms of literacy) and basic amenities (particularly electricity and
sanitary toilet facility) appear to be narrowing between 2000 and 2010, as shown by
various inequality measures. Results for Mindanao slightly vary in the sense that only
inequality in terms of access to electricity has shown improvement. Inequality in
opportunities, particularly in secondary education, access to safe water and electricity,
has to be addressed to level the playing field for the different ethnic groups, stimulate
their inherent competitive ability and strive to improve themselves. The findings of this
study can serve as useful inputs for the policymakers to be able to reduce the level of
inequality in opportunities among different ethnic groups in the country.

The Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) Program, which is currently

being implemented by the Philippine government, can also serve as a starting point to
address the low access to secondary education (as well as to health care) among
vulnerable Filipinos such as itinerant indigenous families and those that are displaced
by natural and man-made disasters (e.g., armed conflicts), among others. In addition to
efforts that would help minimize the occurrence of conflicts, there is a need to increase
access to decent housing and other infrastructure services, particularly safe drinking
water and basic sanitation, among ethnic groups who have been displaced by conflicts,
especially in Mindanao.
 Filipinos had higher access to and more equal access to primary education
services, but lower and less equal access in terms of secondary education services.
The lower and less equal school participation rate in secondary education can partly be
attributed to lack of physical access. While primary schools can be found in almost all
barangays, secondary schools are usually located in the poblacion or urban centers
within the municipalities. One way to address the lack of physical access to education
facilities is by setting up student dormitories near the school facility. For instance, the
city of Panabo has established a dormitory for Lumad children so that children do not
have to walk several kilometers a day to reach the school. Furthermore, the Philippine
government has been exerting efforts to improve access of ethnic groups to education
through various programs. One such program is the Indigenous Peoples Education
Program (IPED) of the Department of Education (DepEd) . In 2011, DepEd adopted the
National Indigenous Peoples Education Policy Framework and has been implementing
the IPED program since then. This and similar programs need to be evaluated to see if
they have been effective and can therefore be scaled up.

Inequalities exists today:

There are five systems or types of social inequality: wealth inequality, treatment
and responsibility inequality, political inequality, life inequality, and membership
inequality. Political inequality is the difference brought about by the ability to access
governmental resources which therefore have no civic equality. So as the government
really existing their effort to fill the gap of all the said inequalities that still exist today.
There is no doubt that every sector, every minorities, every ethnic groups had a voice in
the Government thru the Partylist Representative to see to it that all forms of
discriminatory by its nature shall be given due course.
Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Act of 1997” (IPRA)The State recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and
inalienable rights of all members of Philippine society as the foundation of freedom,
justice and peace. The rights of indigenous cultural communities / indigenous peoples
are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. It is, therefore, the policy of
the state to recognize and promote all individual and collective rights of ICCs/IPs within
the framework of national unity and development in accordance with the Constitution
and applicable norms and principles.
The Act makes provision for the promotion and recognition of the rights of
Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), with a view to
preserve their culture, traditions and institutions and to ensure the equal protection and
non-discrimination of members. The Act is divided into the following Chapters: General
Provisions (I); Definition of Terms (II); Rights to Ancestral Domains (III); Right to Self-
governance and Empowerment (IV); Social Justice and Human Rights (V); Cultural.
 There are many Laws that protects the minorities because they are part of the
Philippine government that indeed should benefit whatever the benefits due to them.
The Anti Discriminatory Act that provides shelter of equality among equals that
indeed no person shall be indiscriminate solely by reason of the status in the society.

Activity 2:

1. Draw/ Cut and paste a picture that shows the difference between ethnicity and
race.

2. Cite an example wherein discrimination in ethnic community is happening.

Suggest ways to end inequalities in the minorities.

3. Are the programs of governments in addressing these issues enough? Why you
said so?

Activity 3:
1. The racial term “African American” can refer to:
a. A black person living in the United States
b. A persons whose ancestors came to the United States through the
slave trade
c. A white person who originated in Africa now lives in the United States
d. Any of the above

2. What is the one defining feature of a minority group?

a. Self-definition
b. Numerically minority
c. Lack of power
d. Strong cultural identity

3. Ethnicity describes shared:

a. Belief
b. Language
c. Religion
d. Any of the above
 LESSON 10.3: Government Programs in Addressing
Global Inequalities
INTRODUCTION
Different ways of viewing the facts. When people talk about global income inequality
there are a number of things that could be referred to. First, one might think of the
inequality within countries across the world. From this perspective, the question in need
of an answer would be: “How has inequality within individual countries changed globally
in recent decades?” The short answer is that it has increased in most places. This is
certainly the case in most of the developed world since the 1980s, while in Emerging
Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) there are greater differences across time
and regions. Looking at disposable incomes at the household level (the most commonly
used measure in international comparisons) most countries in Asia and Eastern Europe
have seen marked increases of inequality, while the trend seems to have been the
opposite in Latin America and in large parts of Africa. In level terms, the development
has been one of convergence since, on average, the countries in Eastern Europe and
Asia started at much lower levels than those in Latin America and Africa. In the
Philippines, we almost see the inequalities even among equals. The riches become
richest and the poor become poorest. What will be the causes and somehow solution to
these global inequalities.

PRE-TEST

Write True if the statement is True and write False if the statement is False.
1. Education one the determining factor of Global Inequality
2. In solving inequalities among and between countries, it needs to strengthen the
education as the source of good opportunity.
3. There is an income inequalities between you and other person if you failed to finish
your education,
4. Effects of Income inequality includes higher rates of health and social problems,
and lower rates of social goods, a lower population-wide satisfaction and
happiness and even a lower level of economic growth when human capital is
neglected for high-end consumption.
5. Accordingly, education affects the wages of the workers.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

International inequality refers to the idea of inequality between countries. This can be
compared to global inequality which is inequality between people across countries. This
may refer to economic differences between countries. As well as medical care and
education differences. Wikipedia
 Why there is global inequality?
Global inequality driven by changes both of the inequality within countries and
the inequality between countries. Since then, inequality between countries has declined.
As shown in this visualization, the inequality of incomes between different countries is
much higher than the inequality within countries.
 What are the effects of global inequality?
Effects of income inequality, researchers have found, include higher rates of health
and social problems, and lower rates of social goods, a lower population-wide
satisfaction and happiness and even a lower level of economic growth when
human capital is neglected for high-end consumption.

The Causes of Economic Inequality:

Difference in income plays a role. One important factor contributing to different
levels of wealth is people are paid different wages. There are several reasons why
some people are paid millions while some merely earn minimum wage.

1. Wages are determined by labor market.

Wages are a function of the market price of skills required for a job [1]. In a free
market, the “market price of a skill” is determined by market demand and market supply.
The market price of a skill, and hence the wage for the job that requires the skill, is low if
a large number of workers (high supply) are willing and able to offer that skill but only a
few employers need it (low demand). On the contrary, when there is low supply but high
demand for a skill, the wage for a job requiring the skill goes up.
2. Education affects wages.
Individuals with different levels of education often earn different wages [2]. This is
probably related to reason one: the level of education is often proportional to the level of
skill. With a higher level of education, a person often has more advanced skills that few
workers are able to offer, justifying a higher wage.

The impact of education on economic inequality is still profound in developed countries and
cities [3]. Although there are usually policies of free education in developed nations, levels
of education received by each individual still differ, not because of financial ability but innate
qualities like intelligence, drive and personal ability. For example, in Hong Kong, 12 years of
free education are provided for each citizen, not covering tertiary education, offered only
when students receive certain results on public exams. Moreover, receiving the same level
of education does not mean receiving education of the same quality. This accounts for the
difference in abilities and hence wages for individuals all receiving, for example, 12 years of
education. Therefore, it seems no matter how social welfare policy of a country is at
preventing denial of education due to financial difficulties, differences in education, in terms
of levels and quality, still play a prominent role in economic inequality.

3. Growth in technology widens income gap.

Growth in technology arguably renders joblessness at all skill levels [3]. For unskilled
workers, computers and machinery perform a lot of tasks these workers used to be do. In
many jobs, such as packaging and manufacturing, machinery works even more effectively
and efficiently. Hence, jobs involving repetitive tasks have largely been eliminated. Skilled
workers are not immune to the nightmare of losing jobs. The rapid development in artificial
intelligence may ultimately allow computers and robots to perform knowledge-based jobs
[3]. The impact of increasing unemployment is stagnant or decreasing wages for most
workers, as there is a low demand for but high supply of labor. A small portion of society,
usually the owners of capital, controls an ever-increasing fraction of the economy [3]. The
income gap between workers who earn by their skills and owners who earn by investing in
capital has widened.
Although both skilled and unskilled workers are adversely affected by the
technological advance, it seems unskilled workers are subject to worse outcomes [3]. This
is because the labor market may still need skilled workers to use computers and operate
the advanced machines. The rightward shift in the demand for skilled labor creates an
increase in the relative wages of the skilled compared to the unskilled workers. Hence, the
income gap among workers also has widened.

4. Gender does matter.

In many countries, there is a gender income gap in the labor market [3]. For
example, in America, the median full-time salary for women is 77 percent of that of men [4].
However, women who work part time make more on average than men who work part-time
[4]. Additionally, among people who never marry or have children, women make more than
men [4]. It may be difficult to justify such differences. According to a U.S. Census report [4],
the wage gap is not fully explained even after accounting for key factors that affect
earnings, such as discrimination and the tendency of women to consider factors other than
pay when looking for work. The only thing we know for sure is that gender does contribute
to a difference in wages in society and hence economic inequality.

5. Personal factors.
It is generally believed that innate abilities play a part in determining the wealth of an
individual. Hence, individuals possessing different sets of abilities may have different levels
of wealth, leading to economic inequality [3]. For example, more determined individuals may
keep improving themselves and striving for better achievements, which justifies a higher
wage. Another example is intelligence [3]. A lot of people believe that smarter people tend to
have higher income and hence more wealth. This is debatable. In the bookIQ and the
Wealth of Nations, Dr. Richard Lynn opined that there is a correlation of 0.82 between
average IQ and GDP. However, Stephen Jay Gould, in the bookThe Mismeasure of Man,
criticized it for employing the wrong methods of evaluation.

In addition to innate abilities, diversity of preferences, within a society or among

different societies, contributes to the difference in wealth [3]. When it comes to working
harder or having fun, equally capable individuals may have totally different priorities,
resulting in a difference in their incomes. Their saving patterns may also differ, leading
to different levels of accumulated wealth.

Global Inequality: Causes, Effects & Solutions

CAUSES EFFECTS SOLUTIONS

Political goals Health effects Better access to education

Exploitation of poor countries Social tensions Financial subsidies
Tax avoidance Increased probability for Create incentives for firms to
conflicts locate to poor areas
Lack of education Frustration Increase incentives for
innovation
Insecurity regarding poverty Drug abuse World wide support
rights
Low investment incentives for Crime Global wealth tax
firms
Low living quality poverty Improves workers’ right
Regional factors Starvation Establish minimum wages
Wars Lack to access to education Increase national stability levels

Famine Bad working condition Improve trade policies

Consumption behaviour Terrorism Change consumption behavior

Natural Disaster Convince others

Global inequality (also sometimes referred to as international inequality) can be

defined as the inequal distribution of material resources and income across countries.
Apart from economic figures, global inequality may also refer to the access to medical
care and also to education. According to the global wealth report of Global Suisse, half
of the worldwide wealth is owned by the richest 1% of people. This also implies huge
international inequality which has many adverse consequences.
Causes for Global Inequality
1. Political goals
Although often proclaimed by politics, global inequality favors some countries
and gives them an edge over poor countries in terms of technological progress and
therefore gives those countries a competitive advantage. Thus, it is often quite favorable
for rich countries to keep other countries poor in order to sustain their advantage and
their power. Therefore, political goals play a big role in the development and
maintenance of global inequality.

2. Exploitation of poor countries

Poor countries often get exploited by rich countries in several ways. Since poor
countries often depend on the demand of rich countries, they are heavily reliant and
become dependent. Thus, rich countries can often dictate the terms on which the
countries interact and make business. Moreover, rich countries also tend to shift their
problems to foreign countries. An example for this is the transportation of waste from
Western countries to poor countries in Africa in order to get rid of the waste problem.
Additionally, firms often exploit poor countries in terms of working conditions and low
wages. Therefore, people and poor countries as a whole are often exploited by rich
countries or multi-national firms which leads to a significant level of inequality.

3. Tax avoidance
Big firms often try to avoid taxes whenever possible. They are also quite
successful in doing so, since they are able to hire the best tax consultants and are also
quite flexible in terms of shifting their money in order to avoid taxes. Although beneficial
for firms, tax avoidance contributes to the global inequality issue since taxes are usually
collected to finance public infrastructure and to improve the living conditions for locals. If
firms do not pay their taxes, large amounts of money are missing and global inequality
tends to increase.

4. Lack of education
Education is key to escape poverty and to build wealth. However, especially in
poor countries, people often do not have access to education and therefore suffer from
a lack of education. Moreover, children often have to work in order to earn money for
their families and do not have time to attend school. In addition, in many developing
countries, education levels are quite low in general, which makes it even harder for
people to escape poverty.
Since uneducated people often have no chance to escape poverty and to move in order
to find a better future, those people are likely to stay in their home countries. Hence, a
lack of education increases international inequality.

5. Lack of innovation
Innovation and technological progress are crucial in order to fight global
inequality. However, in many poor countries, there is just a low level of innovation since
governments do not offer the incentives or even do prohibit actions that would increase
innovation levels.
Moreover, in some cultures, innovation is considered to be dodgy since people fear their
old values are eroded through technological progress. In addition, innovation is often
slowed down since many poor countries suffer from a severe level of corruption and
firms are not willing to open branches in those regions.

6. Gender inequality
In many countries, men and women are not treated as equally valuable and
women often have only pretty confined rights. This gender inequality also contributes to
global inequality since women are often not able to get proper education and therefore
stay trapped in poverty.

7. Insecurity regarding property rights

In order to make poor countries attractive for investors, their property rights have
to be assured. Imagine you are considering to invest in a country. Would you invest if
you have to fear expropriation in the near future? I don’t think so. Moreover, especially
in big companies, shareholders and the management will always refrain from engaging
in those kinds of investments since they consider it to be too risky. In order to make
these countries more attractive to invest in and therefore to increase wealth levels,
governments have to ensure stable investment conditions.

8. Low investment incentives for firms

Governments also have to make investing in their countries more profitable. For
instance, this could mean giving subsidies or tax advantages to firms if they are willing
to open branches in their countries. This could also include providing appropriate
infrastructure and living conditions to attract smart people from all over the world. By
doing so, the overall income level in these countries will likely increase and global
inequality will decrease.

9. Low living quality

Many poor countries also have quite low living standards. This includes hygienic
standards, quality of hospitals, public transportation and other infrastructure for daily life.
These low living standards are a big problem since they may discourage international
professionals to move to those countries since these professionals likely strive for
higher living standards. In turn, this leads poor countries to stay poor since they will not
be able to keep up with the latest technological progress and therefore will not be able
to gain competitive advantages for their industries.

10. Regional factors

Some factors are predetermined and cannot be changed. For example, this
includes climatic conditions. In countries with high air temperature and high humidity
levels, physical work is much more exhausting than in countries with moderate climatic
conditions. Therefore, people who are living in countries with extreme climatic
conditions will likely not be able to accomplish the same amounts of work compared to
people living in comfort climate zones. Consequently, countries who suffer from extreme
climatic conditions are also likely to produce less and in turn have a higher probability to
stay poor.

11. Conflicts
Wars also contribute to global inequality. Large amounts of money and resources
are wasted in conflicts all over the world each single year. Imagine those resources had
been used for the development of infrastructure purposes instead! By engaging in
conflicts, governments waste large amounts of resource and also threaten the life of
many people.

12. Famine
Famine can be regarded as a cause as well as an effect of global inequality.
Famine can cause international inequality since people who suffer from food scarcity
have less physical and mental power to accomplish their goals and therefore are more
likely to stay poor. Moreover, famine also increases the probability for conflicts since
people are more frustrated which in turn also leads to an increase in inequality.

13. Consumption behavior

Consumption levels are rising all over the world. Especially in our Western world,
we consume large amounts of material goods. Moreover, people in countries which had
been poor in past decades now aspire similar lifestyles. This leads to many serious
problems since in order to meet the demand for material goods, excessive amounts of
resources have to be extracted out of the ground. Many poor countries are exploited by
rich countries and companies in the sense that resources and land for resource
extraction are bought at quite low prices which in turn makes rich countries and
companies even more rich while poor countries stay poor, eventually leading to even
more global inequality.

14. Natural disasters

Apart from human-made global inequality, there are also natural factors that
contribute to differences of wealth across countries. Regions that are hit by natural
disasters much more likely to suffer from low financial standards than countries who are
lucky to be spared by those adverse natural events since the affected countries have to
frequently rebuild their infrastructure which takes large amounts of money and
resources.

Effects of Global Inequality:

1. Health effects
Global inequality causes severe health effects for many people worldwide. Since
low levels of income and wealth also often imply insufficient access to healthcare, many
people may suffer from severe health conditions or even death since they will not be
able to get the appropriate treatment. Moreover, in many developing countries, there
sometimes are quite good private hospitals, but most of the locals are simply not able to
afford this kind of treatment and will therefore be on low-quality public hospitals or even
on treatment at home without consultation of a doctor. Hence, there may be severe
health effects caused by global inequality in poor developing countries.

2. Social tensions
Financial inequality often contributes to social tensions since people are often
greedy and also jealous. Especially when the own living conditions are quite bad, it is
hard to grant somebody a better lifestyle. Imagine you cannot afford to send your kids to
school and supply them with sufficient food when at the same moment your neighbour
can do all this. How would you feel about that?

3. Increased probability for conflicts

Global inequality can also lead to severe conflicts in poor regions. People may
fight over resources and other material things. This is especially true when it comes to
basic needs like food and water supply. The poorer people are, the more incentive they
have to engage in conflicts since they have not much to lose and have to fight in order
to survive. Moreover, poverty can also lead to populism and the resulting adverse
effects.

4. Frustration
Inequality often also leads to frustration for the people who suffer from the
adverse effects of poverty. Many people will simply lose their will to improve their life
since they do not believe that they ever get out of poverty. This frustration may lead to
conflicts and may also impact the social behavior of people in an adverse manner.

5. Drug use
Inequality and financial shortage may also lead to the use of certain substances.
People will often try to escape reality for a while by doing drugs or engage in the
consumption of other harmful substances. In fact, there is a strong correlation between
drug use and the poverty level of people. Many people may simply be tired of their daily
life and their adverse financial conditions and do not have too much to lose. Therefore,
doing drugs may become quite appealing to these groups of people.

6. Poverty
Global inequality also implies economic inequality, poverty and global hunger
large numbers of people worldwide. While a small fraction of the world population owns
the majority of our material wealth, the majority of people owns almost nothing. Poverty
leads to all kinds of adverse effects for the people who have to deal with this issue.

7. Starvation
Starvation be the consequence of international inequality for many people in poor
developing countries. Especially in regions where farming is not possible due to climatic
conditions or water shortages, people may not be able to produce enough food to feed
all family members.

8. Lack of access to education

People may also not be able to attend school and get proper education due to
inequality around the world. Children often have to work in order to supply financial
support for their families instead of attending school. A lack of education will in turn trap
people in poverty since education is often the only way out of the dilemma.

9. Bad working conditions

Global inequality often also leads to bad working conditions for people living in
poor developing countries. Since there is often a high level of unemployment, people
rely on the work provided by companies. They simply have no choice since they need
money to feed their families. Thus, firms can easily exploit these people and treat them
quite poorly.

10. Radical movements

Inequality often leads to jealousy and frustration which in turn can lead people to
engage in radical movements and actions. People who suffer from poor living conditions
are usually easier to recruit than people who enjoy their life since those people have
nothing to lose. Therefore, promises made by radical organizations may seem quite
convincing for those people.

11. Migration
Global inequality can also lead to migration. Many people may have to leave their
home country due to extreme poverty and may try to move to rich Western countries in
order to have a better future.
Solutions for Global Inequality
1. Better access to education
In order to fight global inequality, governments in poor countries have to ensure
access to education. This could mean supporting poor families with financial aid. It
could also mean spending more money on teachers and research facilities. By doing so,
people get a better education and a better understanding on how to build businesses
which in turn will likely increase their living standards and may also increase the overall
wealth of the respective country.

2. Financial subsidies
Poor countries rely on financial subsidies from rich countries in order to progress
and fight the adverse causes related to poverty and inequality. Therefore, it is crucial to
set up and enlarge global funding programs for poor countries.

3. Create incentives for firms to locate to poor areas

In order to make it more attractive for firms to open branches in poor areas,
governments and municipalities should increase the financial incentive for firms to do
so. This could come in tax advantages for those regions or also from other kinds of
financial support. The jobs that are created will help to fight global inequality since the
average income of people in those countries will likely increase.

4. Increase incentives for innovation

Innovation is crucial in order to progress as a country and increase the average
income of people. Governments have to make sure that firms have sufficient incentive
for innovation. This could come through the protection of property rights or also through
financial subsidies.

5. Worldwide support
Countries all over the world should work together in order to share their newest
research findings on all kinds of topics so that poor countries are able to profit from
those findings. Therefore, poor countries may be able to catch up to developed
countries and global inequality may be lowered due to global support.

6. Global wealth tax

A global wealth tax could be another measure to fight inequality. This could come
in the form that people who have large amounts of financial wealth will be charged a
certain percentage amount. This money could in turn be used for the improvement of
infrastructure and other facilities in poor developing countries and thus may lower global
inequality. However, a global wealth tax strategy is likely quite hard to execute since all
countries all over the world would have to agree to this tax in order to prevent loopholes.
7. Improve workers’ rights
Governments should also improve the rights of workers. In many poor countries,
working conditions are quite bad and workers get exploited by companies. In order to
lower the inequality in working conditions across countries, local authorities should set
stricter rules for firms to treat their employees better.

8. Establish minimum wages

Minimum wages are another measure to fight global inequality. In many regions,
especially in countries where there is a high unemployment rate, people rely on their
jobs and companies exploit these people by paying quite low wages. Establishing
minimum wages would increase the average income of people and would therefore
contribute to a reduction in international inequality.

9. Increase national stability levels

In order to attract renowned firms and therefore create higher levels of income, it
is crucial for countries to have ensure economic conditions and peace. Only then will
companies consider investing and building branches in these countries.

10. Improve trade policies

Some poor countries refrain from trade with other countries for different reasons.
However, international trade can be quite beneficial for the local economy if trading
conditions are set up in a fair manner. Hence, it is crucial for countries to open up to
trade with other countries in order to improve their wealth and to decrease global
inequality.

11. Change consumption behavior

Everyone of us can make a difference in our daily life to reduce global inequality.
You can make your contribution by buying things that are produced under fair
conditions. There are several labels that ensure fair working conditions you should pay
attention to. Moreover, refrain from buying stuff from companies that are known for
exploiting workers in poor countries. Don’t blame industries for exploiting their
employees, blame yourself for buying those items! Industries only meet the demand of
people. If no one is buying stuff from companies that is produced under adverse
working conditions, those companies will change their minds and improve their working
conditions since they would go out of business otherwise.

12. Convince others

Changing your consumption behavior in a manner that contributes to a reduction
in global inequality is a first step. However, you should also try to convince other people
on the importance of fighting global inequality whenever possible. Show them how easy
it is to make a contribution in their daily life. By doing so, you can multiply your positive
impact and contribute to improved living standards for many people worldwide.

Conclusion:
Global inequality is a big problem that has many severe adverse effects for poor
countries and the people living in those regions. Global inequality can be either caused by
human actions or also by natural circumstances. In order to fight international inequality, it is
crucial that countries all over the world work together and share their newest research
findings with each other. Moreover, rich countries are in charge to provide financial
subsidies for poor countries in order to enable poor countries to progress. You can also
contribute to a reduction in inequality in your daily life by changing your consumption
behavior. All these actions can lead to a state where global inequality is reduced
significantly and people all over the world will benefit from the positive related effects.

Activity 4:
1. Draw a picture or cut and paste picture to show the gaps which results to global
inequalities.
Criteria: 1. originality
2. clear/idea
3. colourful
2. Discuss inequalities in your barangay that may results in global inequalities. What would
be your suggestion/solution if these inequalities still happening today?
3. Are the programs of governments in addressing these issues enough? Why you said so?

Activity 5
1. Why there is global inequality?
a. driven by changes both of the inequality within and the inequality between
countries.
b. inequality between countries has declined.
c. inequality of incomes between different countries is much higher than the
inequality within countries.
d. all of the above
2. What are the effects of global inequality?
a. health effects
b. poverty
c. drug use
d. all of the above
3. The Causes of Economic Inequality:
a. political goals
b. tax avoidance
c. lack of education
d. All of the above
References

Module 10.1

• Understanding Culture, Society and Politics

• Reader’s guide/Teacher’s guide
• www.google.com
• GAD (PPT from DSWD)

Module 10.2

• Caver, Helen Bush, and Mary T. Williams. 2011. “Creoles.”Multicultural America,

Countries and Their Cultures, December 7. Retrieved February 13, 2012
(http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Bu-Dr/Creoles.html).
• CNN Library. (February 22, 2014). “Trayvon Martin Shooting Fast Facts.”CNN US.
N.p., Retrieved October 9, 2014 (http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/us/trayvon-martin-
shooting-fast-facts/)
• Dollard, J., et al. 1939.Frustration and Aggression. New Haven, CT: Yale University
Press.
• Graves, Joseph. 2003.The Emperor’s New Clothes: Biological Theories of Race at
the Millennium. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
• Omi, Michael, and Howard Winant. 1994.Racial Formation in the United States: from
the 1960s to the 1990s (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
• Wagley, Charles, and Marvin Harris. 1958.Minorities in the New World: Six Case
Studies. New York: Columbia University Press.
• Wirth, Louis. 1945. “The Problem of Minority Groups.”The Science of Man in the
World Crisis, edited by R. Linton: 347. In Hacker, Helen Mayer. 1951.Women as a Minority
Group. Retrieved December 1, 2011
(http://media.pfeiffer.edu/lridener/courses/womminor.html).World Health Organization. 2011.
“Elder Maltreatment.” Fact Sheet N-357. Retrieved December 19, 2011
(http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs357/en/index.html).

Module 10.3

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_inequality
• https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us/en/reports-research/global-wealth-
report.html
• https://www.fairtradewinds.net/guide-fair-trade-labels/