Inequality (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Differences in economic power

• Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, power or opportunities between countries or groups

• Power is the ability to influence others or bring about change

  • Economic power comes from having financial resources that enable this influence

Measuring differences in economic power

Local and national level

• Economic power can be measured through:

  • differences in salary and income

  • the ability to afford higher education, which can lead to higher earnings

  • living conditions, such as being forced to live in cheaper but less safe areas

International level

• States with high economic power have greater influence over global political decisions

• States with lower economic power are more vulnerable to pressure from powerful transnational corporations (TNCs)

Causes of economic inequality

Debate about economic inequality

• Some argue that economic inequality is natural, as not all individuals or states will have the same level of ability, effort or innovation

• However, many scholars argue that growing global inequality is a major concern, as it can increase political and social divisions and lead to instability within societies

Differences in political power

• Although democracy aims to distribute political power fairly, in practice both domestic and global systems show clear inequalities in political influence

Political power in theory

• Liberals argue that sharing political power among citizens is the best way to ensure a stable and peaceful society, which supports sustainable development

  • They believe this is best achieved through democracy

• However, even in democracies, political power is not equally distributed

Inequality within democracies

• Some individuals have little interest in politics and do not use their political power

• In the 2024 US presidential election, only 64% of eligible voters participated, showing unequal engagement

• Corruption can occur, with wealthy individuals influencing government decisions

  • According to Transparency International, wealthy citizens can make large donations to political parties, increasing their influence

Inequality in global governance

• At the international level, political power is also unevenly distributed

  • In the United Nations, the permanent five members of the Security Council have significantly more power than other states

  • This gives certain countries greater influence over global decisions, particularly on issues of peace and security

Differences in social power

• Differences in social power can be seen in access to key opportunities that support development, including:

  • healthcare

  • education

  • housing

  • a clean environment

• Inequality in social power, particularly access to education, limits opportunities for individuals and slows long-term development at both national and global levels

Education and social power within states

• Many states are either unable or unwilling to invest in free, universal education.

  • Some governments restrict education for girls, women and other marginalised groups

  • Private schools and higher education are often expensive and not accessible to everyone

  • Even where education is free, the quality and resources of schools can vary significantly

Global access to education

• According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), by 2030:

  • only 1 in 6 countries will provide free and inclusive education for all children

  • around 84 million children will not attend school

  • approximately 300 million students will remain illiterate and lack basic numeracy skills

Additional barriers

• Even in countries where education is available, some children are forced to work from a young age to support their families

  • This limits their ability to attend school and reinforces inequality