Written by: Rtr. Sanduni Samarasinghe

Poverty and social inequality, two persistent and deeply ingrained challenges in our world, are not merely statistical issues but symptoms of a fractured global system. While both concepts are often discussed in policy and academic circles, they are lived experiences for millions of people worldwide—experiences that reflect not just a lack of resources, but also deep structural inequities that define access to opportunities, rights, and even dignity.

At its core, poverty is often seen as a condition of having insufficient resources to meet basic human needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Social inequality, on the other hand, refers to the uneven distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within society. But to view these problems as separate is to miss the greater picture. The two are inextricably linked, and together, they contribute to a cycle that perpetuates marginalization and underdevelopment

While we live in a globalized world where technological advances and economic growth have created unprecedented wealth, the reality of inequality remains stark. According to the World Bank, more than 700 million people—roughly 10% of the global population—live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day. These numbers do not just reflect a lack of resources but also highlight the severe social disparities that exacerbate poverty: limited access to education, healthcare, and social protection, particularly for women, minorities, and marginalized groups.

On the international stage, the divide between the Global North and South is perhaps the most visible manifestation of this inequality. High-income countries, with their advanced economies and well-established social safety nets, enjoy greater access to resources and opportunities. Meanwhile, low-income countries continue to struggle with the legacies of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political instability. In many places, the entrenched power structures maintain a status quo that keeps vast swaths of the population in poverty, while a small elite continues to profit.

Take, for example, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Despite a growing global emphasis on international aid and development, the region remains vulnerable due to historical exploitation, weak governance, and ongoing conflicts. Additionally, the effects of climate change—droughts, floods, and other environmental disruptions—further exacerbate economic inequalities, making it even harder for many to break free from the grip of poverty.

Meanwhile, in the wealthier parts of the world, social inequality manifests in more subtle but no less damaging ways. In countries like the United States, the gap between the rich and poor has grown exponentially over the last few decades, with the top 1% of earners capturing an ever-larger share of the national wealth. This growing concentration of wealth is mirrored by a systemic breakdown in the social fabric, with historically marginalized communities—people of color, indigenous groups, and immigrants—bearing the brunt of economic and social disadvantage. The recent rise in movements like Black Lives Matter and protests over income inequality underscores the growing frustration with a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many.

If we look at the recent global pandemic, the intersection of poverty and social inequality has never been clearer. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted just how fragile the world’s most vulnerable populations are, both in the Global South and North. The pandemic has disproportionately affected poor communities and people in precarious work, exacerbating existing inequalities.

In many low-income countries, the public health crisis compounded by weak healthcare infrastructure led to an overwhelming strain on already limited resources. In richer countries, the pandemic highlighted the stark inequality in access to healthcare. The wealthiest countries hoarded vaccines and treatment options, while poorer nations struggled to secure the life-saving tools to protect their populations. Meanwhile, the economic fallout from lockdowns and restrictions hit the most vulnerable hardest—those without stable jobs, healthcare, or social support systems. The pandemic not only exposed the weaknesses in global health systems but also underscored the reality that social inequality is a death sentence for many.

As we consider the future, it becomes apparent that poverty and social inequality are not merely unfortunate byproducts of economic growth but consequences of a system that privileges profit over people. The modern capitalist system, which increasingly dominates global economies, fosters inequality by incentivizing the concentration of wealth and discouraging the redistribution of resources. The social safety nets in many countries, already threadbare before the pandemic, were stretched to their breaking point during COVID-19, leaving many without adequate support.

To address these interlinked issues, a paradigm shift is needed. In the long term, addressing poverty and social inequality requires systemic change. It means rethinking the structures that govern wealth, resource allocation, and opportunity. This could involve the implementation of progressive tax systems that ensure the rich pay their fair share, or policies aimed at closing the wealth gap by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in underdeveloped regions.

On an international scale, there is an urgent need for global cooperation. International trade and investment systems need to be reformed to prioritize the development of the Global South. Debt relief for low-income countries, fair trade practices, and a focus on sustainable development could help break the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the effects of climate change—which disproportionately impact poorer nations—must be addressed with more urgency. Richer nations, who are responsible for much of the world’s carbon emissions, have a moral obligation to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.

At a national level, policies that focus on social inclusion, gender equality, and the reduction of systemic discrimination must become central to the political agenda. The fight for equal rights—whether in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability—should be at the heart of any nation’s development plan. The pandemic has shown that we are all interconnected, and no one can truly thrive in a world where inequality is the norm.

Poverty and social inequality are not just issues for the poor or marginalized; they are issues for all of us. These are not problems that can be solved with simple charity or temporary aid—they require fundamental changes in the way the world operates. If we are to build a more just and equitable society, we must challenge the structures that perpetuate these disparities and work toward creating systems that prioritize human well-being over profit. The current moment presents an opportunity to not just rebuild from the pandemic but to reimagine the world we live in—one where equality is the foundation, not the exception.