Understanding Culture,

Society, and Politics

Global Inequality

Image: https://bit.ly/3dRs8jB

Inequality does not only exist in the community or small society but it is also in
a worldwide or global scale. The scope is wide, means there is inequality between
countries. Global inequality refers to inequality between people across the countries
in the world. This may include economic differences, scarcity of resources, business
activities, military strength, etc.

At this moment, let us now start browsing the next pages of this module for us
to be knowledgeable on this global activity.

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

● Suggest ways to address global inequalities; (UCSP11/12HSO-IIe-32)

What’s In

The previous lesson talked about social inequality. Even in this more technology-
advanced environment, social inequality can still happen.

Share one (1) social inequality that you have seen, observed, or experienced.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________.

What’s New

Activity 1: THE GLOBAL PICTURE

How does inequality look like in a global scale? Draw it inside the cloud. Be creative.
What Is It

Inequality does not only exist in our

community, in our society, in our country but
also among countries. There are countries
which are economically matured and more
powerful than other countries and ends up to
become influential in the global community.
This leads to a condition of global inequality
where developing countries end up being
controlled and influenced by the developed
countries.
Image: https://bit.ly/37nqHab

GLOBAL INEQUALITY
Inequality does not exist only in localities and states but also among states.
There are states that are influential, wealthy and powerful. This leads to a
situation of global inequality; where poor has less power and rich is powerful.

Global inequality (also sometimes referred to as international inequality)

can be defined as the unequal distribution of material resources and income across
countries. Apart from economic figures, global inequality may also refer to the
access to medical care and also to education. According to the global
wealth report of Global Suisse, half of the worldwide wealth is owned by the
richest 1% of people. This also implies huge international inequality which has
many adverse consequences.

The international financial institutions (IFIs), including the International Monetary

Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and regional and specialized multilateral
development banks, are mobilizing unprecedented levels of financial resources to
support countries responding to the health and economic consequences of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

The following are the causes for global Inequality:

1. Political goals
2. Exploitation of poor countries
3. Lack of innovation
4. Insecurity regarding property rights
5. Low investment incentives firms
6. Conflicts, Famine
7.Consumption behavior and natural disasters
8. Tax avoidance
9. Lack of education
10. Gender inequality
11. Low living quality
12. Regional factors
The effects of global inequality are:
1. Health effects 6. Poverty
2. Social tensions 7. Starvation
3. Increased probability for conflicts 8. Lack of access to education
4. Frustration 9. Bad working conditions
5. Drug use 10. Radical movements
11. Migration

The effects of global inequality are:

1. Health effects 6. Poverty
2. Social tensions 7. Starvation
3. Increased probability for conflicts 8. Lack of access to education
4. Frustration 9. Bad working conditions
5. Drug use 10. Radical movements
11. Migration

Solutions for Global Inequality:

1. Better access to education
2. Financial subsidies
3. Create incentives for firms to locate
to poor areas
4. Increase incentives for innovation
5. Worldwide support
6. Global wealth tax
7. Improve worker’s rights
8. Establish minimum wages
9. Convince others
10. Increase national stability levels
11. Improve trade policies
12. Change consumption behavior

Global inequality is a big problem that has many severe adverse effects for poor
countries and the people living in those regions. Global inequality can be either
caused by human actions or also by natural circumstances.

In order to fight international inequality, it is crucial that countries all over the world
work together and share their newest research findings with each other.
Moreover, rich countries are in charge to provide financial subsidies for poor
countries in order to enable poor countries to progress. You can also
contribute to a reduction in inequality in your daily life by changing your
consumption behavior.

All these actions can lead to a state where global inequality is reduced significantly
and people all over the world will benefit from the positive related effects.

QUOTE ANALYSIS.
Based on the quote below, list down at least 5 situations in life which relates to this
quote. Write your answers in your notebook.
“Life is Unfair”
 The case of the Philippines and the United States is a good example of this,
where, culturally, economically, and politically, the Philippines is perceived to be
under the strong influence of the United States due to the colonization in the past.

Inequality can also be an outcome of the relative strength of a state as

compared with another in terms of strategic importance or development assistance.
Countries with many resources tend to have more power. Countries that send
official development assistance (ODA) in the form of loans and grants are in the
position to dictate their policy conditions.

Military strength is also a source of inequality where countries with superior

military competence are able to bully the weaker ones, just in the issue of West
Philippine Sea between China and the Philippines.

Global inequality can also be manifested through transnational business

corporations and organizations that operate globally. These private corporations
have enormous power to influence the economy of the countries where they have
investments.

Activity 2: CONCEPT MAP

Using the concept map below, give five (5) ways to address global inequality.

Ways to
address
global
inequality
Activity 3: “BILL” IS REAL.

1. If given the chance to become a lawmaker, propose a “bill” that will help solve
global inequality.
2. Write the title and the bill number and explain what it is all about.

Title: _______________________________________________________________

Discussion:
___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Rubric for the Activity

The content and ideas are organized in a clear, logical manner. 5 4 3 2 1

The answer conveys a genuine personal view regarding the topic. 5 4 3 2 1
The work is original and does not contain plagiarized content. 5 4 3 2 1
Total points (15)
Activity 4: ESSAY

Using your answer in Activity 2, the concept map, briefly explain one (1)
proposed way to address global inequality.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Rubric for the Activity

Criteria Rating
The answer relates entirely to the assigned topic. 5 4 3 2 1
The answer conveys a genuine personal view regarding the 5 4 3 2 1
topic.
The work is original and does not contain plagiarized content. 5 4 3 2 1
Total points (15)

What I Can Do
Activity 5: MY POINT OF VIEW
 Read and understand the concept of global inequality thoroughly. Based on
your understanding, look for newspaper clippings, old magazines, recyclable,
localized or indigenous materials and any available materials at home that best
explain the concept of global inequality. Paste it inside the box below. Be resourceful
and creative.

SUMMARY
● Inequality does not only exist in our community, in our society, in our country
but also among countries.

● There are countries that are economically matured and more powerful than
other countries and basically ends up to become influential in the global
community.
 ● Inequality can also be an outcome of the relative strength of a state as
compared with another in terms of strategic importance or development
assistance.

● Countries with many resources tend to have more power. Countries that send
official development assistance (ODA) in the form of loans and grants are in
the position to dictate their policy conditions.

● Military strength is also a source of inequality where countries with superior

military competence are able to bully the weaker ones.

● Global inequality can also be manifested through transnational business

corporations and organizations that operate globally

ASSESSMENT
POSTTEST

Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. The following are included in the 2015 Millennium Development Goals except
a. eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
b. reduce child mortality
c. climate action
d. achieve universal primary education

2. The following are included in the Sustainable Development Goals except

 a. improve maternal health c. life on land
b. reduced inequalities d. life below water

3. The following are the top solutions to income inequality except

a. job creation c. tax policy
b. decline quality of education d. workforce development

4. It involves the concentration of resources in certain nations, significantly

affecting the opportunities of individuals in poorer and less powerful
countries.
a. economic inequality c. global inequality
b. political inequality d. social inequality

5. It refers to this unequal distribution among nations.

a. discrimination c. global stratification
b. racism d. prejudice

6. Non-industrialized country is termed as

a. developing country c. undeveloped country
b. developed country d. underdeveloped country

7. Industrialized country is termed as

a. developing country c. underdeveloped country
b. undeveloped country d. developed country
8. Equality exists in
a. communities c. cities
b. countries d. a, b, and c

9. It is the state where one is barely able, or unable, to afford basic necessities
a. poverty c. relative poverty
b. absolute poverty d. situational poverty

10. The maintenance of political, social, economic, and cultural domination over
a people by a foreign power for an extended period is referred to as:
a. colonialism c. stratification
b. dependency d. inequality

11. The top solutions to income inequality include

a. social welfare policy c. tax policy
b. redistribution d. a, b, and c

12. The following are the causes of global inequality except

a. natural calamity c. war
b. innovation d. lack of education

13. The formation of ______________ can address global inequality.

a. regional groups c. municipal groups
b. provincial groups d. a, b, and c
14. The following are effects of global inequality except
a. crime c. better access to education
b. poverty d. terrorism

15. The following are mechanisms that can address global inequality
a. bilateral treaties and pacts c. international treaties
b. formation of regional groups d. a, b, and c
 KEY TO ANSWERS

POSTTEST

1. c 6. a 11. d
2. a 7. d 12. b
3. b 8. d 13. a
4. c 9. b 14. c
5. c 10. a 15. d

REFERENCE

Antonio P. Contreras, Arleigh Ross D. Dela Cruz, Dennis S. Erasga, Cecile C.

Fadrigon, Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics, Quezon City:
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 2016, 249-250.

Ederlina D. Baleña, Dolores M. Lucero, Arnel M. Peralta, Understanding Culture,

Society, and Politics for Senior High School, Quezon City: Educational
Resources Corporation, 2016, 147-151.

"Chapter 10. Global Inequality – Introduction to Sociology – 1st Canadian Edition."

BC Open Textbooks – Open Textbooks Adapted and Created by BC Faculty.
Last modified November 6, 2014.
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology/chapter/chapter10-global-
inequality/.

"9.1 The Nature and Extent of Global Stratification – Sociology." Open Textbooks ·
University of Minnesota Libraries. Last modified April 8, 2016.
https://open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/9-1-the-nature-and-extent-of-
global-stratification/.