The quote highlights a stark reality where wealth and opportunity are increasingly concentrated among a privileged few, leaving many others struggling in poverty. This division is evident in physical environments such as gated communities standing side by side with impoverished neighborhoods, illustrating the vast disparities in living standards. It also points to the growing inequality in access to basic rights and resources, suggesting that while some individuals enjoy extensive privileges, others are denied even fundamental human rights.
At a deeper level, the quote underscores the persistent and widening gap between the rich and the poor, despite economic globalization and technological advancements. This suggests that while globalisation has brought about significant progress and wealth generation, it has also exacerbated inequalities, leaving the poorest segments of society worse off or barely able to keep up with the rising tide. The increasing relative inequality implies that even as economies grow overall, those at the bottom are often left behind, unable to participate in or benefit from economic growth.
Noreena Hertz is a renowned economist and author known for her critical views on globalisation and its impacts on societies around the world. Her insights into economic inequalities reflect her broader concerns about the social and ethical implications of contemporary economic systems, particularly how these systems affect the most vulnerable populations globally.
