The psychological impact of inequality

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Inequality is a phenomenon that is very present in current reality. Some have more and others less, which applies to both money and opportunities. And, obviously, this affects our lifestyles as well as the quality of life we lead. But the effects of inequality do not stop there, there are also psychological effects.

The current context, characterized by difficulties and economic instability, tends to make larger differences between social classes. In this way, we have three well-defined classes: the rich who have almost everything, a middle class with little capital, if we compare it with the rich, and the poor who have nothing. In a joint way, the economy and the social class of belonging will produce the psychological effects that we relate below.

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Daily inequalities

The social class to which we belong influences how we perceive reality, how we feel and how we behave. Lower class people will perceive that the events that happen around them depend on external forces that are beyond their control. These people tend to be more empathetic and compassionate, altruistic behaviors or, in other words, to carry out more positive actions towards other people without gaining anything in return. All this in comparison with the upper class.

On the other hand there is the economy, the money. The difference between the amount of money possessed by the richest and the poorest will determine the economic inequality of a society. In this way, if in a society the rich have twenty times more money than the poor and in another they have a thousand times more, the first society will have less economic inequality than the second. Likewise, people from more unequal societies tend to be more distrustful, compete more for economic resources and be in favor of economic inequalities.

Inequality of social class

We all grow a certain social class and, most of us, we will always live in a social class very similar to the one we grew up. Therefore, we develop a way of thinking, feeling and acting very similar to those around us. Which, in turn, determines how we relate to other people.

People of low social class usually live in environments where there is a lot of uncertainty, where their vulnerability is high and threats are frequent and important. This leads them to perceive that their actions and the opportunities they have do not depend on them, but on external elements that they can not control. Together, they are more sensitive to the context.

Upper class people have more economic resources and their social hierarchy is higher. They live in societies with high security, more freedom of choice and that are characterized by stability. Therefore, these people learn to perceive that they have the ability to influence the context and, unlike the lower class, they become more sensitive to the opinions of other people. Although it is the lower class who develop greater empathy, they are more precise when it comes to identifying the emotions felt by the people with whom they interact (cognitive empathy).

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Gini coefficient: inequality index

Economic inequality

It is understood that economic inequality is a consequence of the way in which resources are distributed in a society. The distribution may be more egalitarian or less, more unequal. As can be understood at first glance, unequal societies present more problems for those who have less. Some of these problems are health, obesity, unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse and, in addition, present more crimes. However, there are also other types of problems, psychological ones.

People who live in more unequal societies tend to be more distrustful. Therefore, they are also more unpleasant with others and participate less in social activities. There is less interaction between people, especially when they live in different neighborhoods. On the other hand, in very unequal societies there is more competitiveness. This leads to more feelings of anxiety being experienced when they are underestimated, especially in those who have a very low status. Although people also tend to value themselves more positively to avoid it.

In short, less unequal societies are presented as better contexts in which to live. The benefits, both material and psychological, are much greater in this type of society. In addition, in these societies the social classes are more similar. And, if that were not enough, people, the greater the inequality of a country, the more likely it is that its inhabitants prefer a more unequal society or worry less about that inequality.

"World inequality is the disease of the 21st century, since half of the planet's wealth is in the hands of one percent of the world's population, as if wealth were a cake cut in two and the richest one in 100 percent. appropriate one half while the other corresponds to 99 percent of the world's inhabitants. "

Some global alternatives against social inequality.

What can we do about it? Are global solutions required or can we do something from our closest circles? Let's review some of the alternatives that could be put in place to combat global inequality:

Invest in cooperation and development
The implementation of cooperation and development projects is a good way to reduce inequality. The more developed countries should be fully involved in the design of initiatives of this type, either by allocating more resources or opening new channels for donations and contributions. These aids should go to countries with greater social needs.

Guarantee the protection of civilians in humanitarian emergencies.

Wars are a direct cause of forced migration in the world. Developed countries can mitigate the effects of these situations by serving and welcoming refugees or internally displaced persons. For example, relocation measures are currently being implemented in Europe for millions of refugees, almost all of Syrian origin, who arrive on the shores of the Mediterranean every day.

Creation of fair tax systems.

A fair tax system is one in which each person contributes according to the assets and wealth that he or she possesses. All countries must pass laws oriented in that sense. Among other things, because tax evasion prevents governments and institutions from allocating public resources to the areas that most require it, and contribute to the flight of capital to tax havens or third countries. In the same way, it is necessary to promote practices against corruption and lack of transparency.

Improve access to basic public resources.

Inequality is not only economic. It also has to do with access to basic services in societies. The appropriation of natural resources by powers in other countries, as well as the privatization of many of them, prevents millions of people from leading a dignified life. Governments must promote access to basic resources and guarantee their quality.

Contribute to the care of the environment.

Almost 60% of current migrations have environmental causes, especially those that occur from the countryside to the cities. Promoting sustainable practices not only contributes to preserving the environment, but also helps millions of people in the world to stay in their places of residence and not abandon them in search of new ways of subsistence.

Reduce wage gaps

The most unequal countries in the world tend to be those with the greatest wage gaps between workers and high-ranking officials or entrepreneurs. This gap is one of the direct sources of poverty and social marginalization. Work must also be done to reduce the wage gap between women and men.

As you see, combating inequality is not a simple task, but neither is it impossible. With the awareness of everyone, and collaboration to the extent of the possibilities of each, the results can be incredible. Bet on a more just, equitable and sustainable world, and begin to notice the change!