Economic inequality is growing worldwide, and it’s more than just “1 percent versus the rest.” The affluent have grown their incomes faster than everyone else, and their gains are outpacing those of lower-income households. It’s an inequality that’s driven by both global forces, such as technological change and increased trade, and country-specific ones, including tax policies and public health. Inequality has become a major concern for many people. It can fuel democratic backsliding, influence migration, and hamper economic growth. It can also erode social cohesion, lead to political polarization and undermine human rights. And it can exacerbate the effects of natural disasters and health crises, and threaten the quality of life for millions.
In most countries surveyed, majorities say that a variety of factors contribute to economic inequality. But they differ in the degree to which each factor matters. For example, a median of 40% of adults across 36 countries believe that problems with education contribute to inequality a great deal. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ghanaians are especially likely to say this is true – 59% say it does a lot. In other countries, however, fewer people, including those with more education, see this as a key cause of inequality. People on the ideological left are more likely than those on the right to say that differences in opportunities at birth contribute a lot to economic inequality. But in only seven countries do majorities say this is a factor of significant importance.
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