On Way to Mitigate Inequality

Internationally, we give much attention to inequality between countries: the old north and south divide, the developed world versus the developing.

In Western countries we also focus on domestic inequality, particularly in countries such as the U.S., Italy or Britain, where the divide is prominent.

What I miss in this picture is to highlight the immense inequality within poorer countries.

Lesotho and South-Africa are topping the list of the most unequal countries in the world; while countries such as Guatemala and Zambia are among the top ten.

Seldom do we reflect on the implications of such figures. Even if GDP per capita in Zambia is a fraction of what it is in Germany, a significant part of Zambians is still wealthy.

In the Western world we tend to forget that in most countries you can lead a comfortable life according to our standards, and that many do so. On top of that you have those who are wealthy. Zambia has a population of almost 18 million people. Those belonging to the top 10 per cent of the income racket constitute a considerable number of people, often bundled as an abstract: “the wealthy” or “ the elite”. When was the last time you saw mentioned anyone that gave them a face? Apart from a few prominent politicians?

That does not mean they are not interesting.

The well off holds a key role to the future of a country.

From my experience, people in the upper income deciles often know next to nothing about the struggles of the less fortunate in their own country.

An acquaintance, who worked at a private university in Cambodia decided to include a charity project in the curriculum. Not because she thought it would be of tremendous benefit to those affected by a recent flood, but because her privileged students had never done anything for others in their entire lives.

The poor and the rich do not interact.

That is a strong reason why inequality can persist. It is the case in Cambodia, and it is the case in Colombia.

In many countries, the son of the CEO or the daughter of a lawyer has never spoken to the sons and daughters of garbage collectors and shop assistants. Each group develops their own communities with their own social norms and views of the world. Leaving one group with an abundance of opportunities and the other in a survival mood.

If they come across each other, then most often in a power-relation, as employer and employee.

Many do not care much about the lives of their domestic staff, as reports from for instance Brazil and India has shown during the pandemic. Spending time under the same roof does not, as a matter of course, engender empathy and curiosity.

A solution to bridging the segregation is to facilitate opportunities to meet – on equal terms.

And to start with the younger generations, who have a more open mind, and able to make friends easily. They will learn that Fatima or Juan, have much the same dreams and interests as they have, though not the same opportunities to realise them.

Philanthropy may be laudable, but is never on equal terms. It constitutes a power relation. Between the arbitrary benefactor and the expected grateful beneficiary. 

International aid organisations focus on the poor, but not on how to engage the wealthy in the countries where they operate. Why not organise school programmes where advantaged and disadvantaged children, take part in activities together? Not as one-time events with no lasting effect, but for an extended period of time. Setting up longer-term volunteer programmes for national students could be another idea.

It is easy to dismiss a whole group as “the poor”, if you do not know a poor person. It is much harder when “the poor” become “my poor friends.” We are much more willing to do something and to give up something for people we know and like.

Poverty in Europe could not have been combated without the engagement of the members of the wealthier classes.

They fought for literacy, suffrage and the ending of child labour. Wealthy women contributed to improved prison conditions, access to contraception and schools for the poor. They paved the way. Their activities lead to an increased awareness, and a willingness to implement policies to curb injustice.

The poor themselves were not able to do much pioneering work. They never have been, since they have had more than enough with their daily toils.

The engagement of the wealthy is a necessity, and not limited to combating inequalities. To combat corruption, deforestation and overpopulation we need a strong commitment of the affluent and conscious in Africa, in Latin-America and in Asia.

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