Inequality

Inequality is a condition in which some individuals or groups have more of a resource, status, or opportunity than others. The term is used in mathematics to denote a relationship between two expressions where one side is less than or greater than the other, using symbols such as <, >, ≤, and ≥. In social sciences and everyday use, inequality typically refers to differences in income, wealth, education, health, or political influence.

In mathematics, an inequality differs from an equation in that it does not require equality; it describes a set of possible values. Examples include x > 3 or y ≤ z. Solutions can be represented graphically by number lines or curves, and they are central to optimization and analysis.

Economic and social inequality concerns the distribution of resources and opportunities across a population. Income and wealth inequality measure disparities in earnings and net assets; educational attainment, health outcomes, and political influence are other dimensions. Inequality is not merely poverty; a society can have low poverty but high inequality if resources are concentrated among a minority.

Measuring inequality involves tools such as the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient, along with alternative indices like the Palma ratio and Theil index. Causes include differential access to education, technology, geography, discrimination, and policy choices; consequences may include reduced social mobility, slower growth, and political polarization.

Policy responses vary and are debated, including tax and transfer systems, investments in education and healthcare, labor market reforms, and, in some discussions, universal basic income or wealth taxes. The study of inequality seeks to understand its sources, impacts, and potential remedies while recognizing its multidimensional nature.