What is meant by social inequality?

Social inequality means that there are differences between people when it comes to income, finances, education and social opportunity. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 10 focuses on making the differences smaller.The UN believes that inequalities must be made equal both between and within countries.

Norway is a world leader regarding fairness and equality. But at the same time social inequalities are increasing and have done so for the past two decades.

 

Before you read on about social inequality, you should be familiar with the concept of socioeconomic status (social class). It refers to people’s background in relation to income, wealth and education.

Research shows that people with a high socioeconomic status have more opportunities and better health than those with a low socioeconomic status. Since social differences affect people’s lives, politicians worry if differences increase too quickly.

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Sosialt gap
Sosialt gap

The difference between equity and equality

Absolute and relative poverty

When we talk about poverty, we often think of children living in countries where they don’t have access to water, food, education and health services in the same way that we do. This poverty, which we often see on TV, is called absolute poverty. According to the UN, the line for absolute poverty is US $2.15 a day.

In Norway, we don’t have children living in absolute poverty, but we do have children that live in what is called relative poverty. Relative poverty means that you can’t meet the needs that most other people in society are able to meet. Poverty has consequences for how children are raised and their opportunities.

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Fattig gutt
Fattig gutt

Social differences are increasing in Norway

Norway is one of the countries in the world that has the least economic and social differences, but in recent years the social differences have grown. According to Statistics Norway (SSB), the reason for these differences is that the richest in Norway are getting richer.

On the other hand, Statistics Norway also points out that work immigration pushes wages down for the lowest-paid jobs.

 

 

The gap between the rich and the poor creates challenges for families. The richest push the prices up, for example when it comes to buying a new home. Parents with low incomes can find it difficult to meet the needs of their children.

Child poverty in Norway has risen since the beginning of the 2000s. The number went from 84,000 in 2013 to 110,900 in 2018. Child poverty is now higher than before, and is growing faster than adult poverty.

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Mynt i stabler
Mynt i stabler

Consequences of social differences

Growing up in poverty can affect children’s health and also social circumstances, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) and the Directorate for Children, Youth and Families (Bufdir). Children in low-income families participate less in activities and hobbies with other children. This can lead to isolation and loneliness. Poor economy can also lead to limitations when it comes to birthdays, holidays and Christmas.

Poverty also has consequences for future opportunities. Children who grow up in low-income families are more likely to have a low income themselves when they become adults. This may partly be down to them not getting the same level of help and support with their homework.

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Gutt på sidelinja
Gutt på sidelinja

How can social differences be stopped?

The social differences between people are a major challenge for society. The responsibility lies mainly with politicians. There is a need for them to create a policy that makes the differences between people less, and especially children.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to spare time. The Red Cross therefore believes that organisations with activities should become more affordable for families, so that all children have the opportunity to participate in football, handball and other spare time activities.

All children should also have the same opportunity for education. Regardless of their family background, all children should have the same opportunity to develop.

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Barn padler kano
Barn padler kano

Sources:

  • Fløtten, Tone (red.): Barnefattigdom (2009)
    Oslo. Gyldendal akademisk.

Media rights:

    1. Getty Images
    2. Australian Human Rights Commission – YouTube
    3. Getty Images
    4. Getty Images
    5. Getty Images
    6. The Children’s Society – YouTube
    7. Getty Images