Rich / Poor Gap
Introduction
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Rich / Poor Gap
Introduction
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As we enter the 21st century, the gap between the world’s rich and poor is widening, both within and among countries. The vast majority of the world’s population is receiving an ever-decreasing share of its collective wealth, while the share claimed by a few rich nations and individuals is steadily growing.
The impacts of this widening rich–poor gap are varied. They include environmental destruction – richer nations and individuals can afford to over-consume resources, while poorer nations and individuals are forced to over-exploit the environment just to survive. They include migration – people are forced to move in search of adequate resources. And they include conflict – wealthier nations and individuals fight to keep what they have, while those suffering a lack of resources fight to obtain them. Because poorer groups typically lack the assets and technology to conduct large-scale conventional war to obtain their goals, they often resort to low-intensity conflict and terrorism.
The causes of this global disparity are diverse and complex. They include unequal distribution of natural resources, the globalization of economies and economic structures; inadequate governance and protection of law; and lack of access to education, healthcare, and social safety nets, especially for women and girls.
History has shown that individuals and nations need not remain in poverty indefinitely, however. With an awareness of the interdependence of our modern world, it is possible to eliminate the root causes of poverty. By increasing economic opportunities, access improves to nutrition, education, and healthcare. With those come higher income, greater autonomy – especially for women – and the opportunity to pursue environmentally sound technologies and products. With higher levels of social health come greater stability, higher economic output, and fewer flashpoints for conflict. Population tends to stabilize, governments tend to be more democratic, and environmental protection becomes both more desired and attainable.