Inequality and Poverty

Definition

Inequality refers to disparities or differences in opportunities, resources, income, wealth, or social status among individuals or groups within society. Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor with insufficient resources for basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Analogy

Imagine two people running a race, but one person starts much closer to the finish line than the other. This represents inequality, as one person has an advantage over the other. If someone cannot even afford proper running shoes or a healthy meal before the race, they may be in poverty and face additional challenges.

Related terms

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down in social status or economic position.

Income Gap: The difference in income levels between different groups within society.

Absolute Poverty: A condition where individuals lack the basic necessities of life, such as food, clean water, and shelter.