Since the mid-nineteenth century income inequality across nations has Term Paper

Since the mid-nineteenth century income inequality across nations has increased dramatically. Discuss the sources and consequenc - Term Paper Example Nineteenth century witnessed collapse of pre-modern empires like the Roman Empire (Mokyr 40). As a result, new political entities, including the British and German empires came into existence. These changes created corresponding dynamics within economic sectors in affected regions. Since then, the world continues to experience shifts in economic dynamics from one region to another. Numerous theories strive to explain causes and consequences associated with these economic shifts. In order to understand what really happens, it is appropriate to look back at history and identify what caused economic changes at those times. Subsequently, we will be able to explain current economic inequality witnessed in modern societies across the world. Introduction In this context, political and social changes that took place during industrial revolution makes 19th Century the starting point of contemporary economic disparities. This period saw the rise of European powers into leading advancement in e xplorations and social modernization. Great Britain championed industrial revolution, which totally changed productivity and wealth creation across the globe. It was during this time that scientists came up with numerous breakthroughs in the field s of mathematics, electricity, chemistry and metallurgy (Mokyr 43). As a result, Great Britain and other European nations resolved to engage in industrial production of goods and mining activities. In this case, new resources that were not discovered and exploited in earlier empires came into existence. Improvement of transport networks through railway lines and establishment of urban settlements changed ways of living. On the other hand, Japan, Germany, and Portugal embarked on programs meant to spark modernization within their economic sectors. Great Britain led the world into abolition of slave trade in Europe, America, and Brazil. As a result, adoption and application of Liberalism started prevailing in modern government systems. Liber alism translated into the economic system of capitalism, which advocated for liberalized pursuit of economic goals by individuals within the society. Therefore, those who had access to key raw materials could utilize them for profit and wealth generation (Mokyr 44). On the other hand, poor citizens of these empires were employed in mines and industries as casual laborers. In this regard, integration of Liberalism and Capitalism marked inception of economic and income inequalities. In addition, globalization derives its roots from this period when economic performance of one nation could influence performance in another related country. Colonization spread into Africa and Asia where colonizers acquired additional wealth from unexploited territories. As a result, the scramble and partition of Africa by European’s major powers influenced economic changes through wealth acquisition from the colonies. All these economic changes resulted in advancement and increase of economic dist ribution and income inequality in the world. Income Inequality: Definition In this context, income inequality or economic inequality refers to distribution of assets and factors of production within a given economic region under consideration. Factors of economic production include major assets like land, capital, and labor. Income inequality changes depending on the period of time and economic

Service learning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Service learning - Assignment Example This implies that every member of the society is equally important and holds the potential to make positive contributions consequently leading to the overall societal development. Racism is a global problem that can affect anyone since it arguably depends on an individual’s location. For example being white in America and other Western countries is seemingly a free ticket from racism unlike other races such as Asians. However, this privilege is limited to regions where the highest percentage of inhabitants are white. For example, during a tour to Africa with my family we encountered an incident where we were overcharged simply due to the divisions and notions created by race. There was no considerable benefit to the oppressors apart from the extra cash of course. Nonetheless, racism is seemingly double sided since in some instances I get served first regardless there being people from a different race that had arrived earlier. Stereotyping is a common practice in the society and can either be positive or negative. For example, the stereotype that all politicians are selfish or that girls are not good at sports or that all Muslims are terrorists or all women like make-up. Going by this examples it is evident that stereotypes are specific to particular groups such as politicians, girls, Muslims, and women respectively. Additionally, stereotypes are seemingly true but the main contestation is the generalization that is not necessarily true. For example, a relatively high number of women like and frequently use make-up. However, there is also a relatively high number of women who do not wear make-up and in fact do not like it. The theory of voluntary oppression is deeply rooted in the provisions that for oppression to occur one must belong to a group that is facing oppression. This is despite the fact that the particular individual in play may not be directly affected. This implies that an individual is oppressed simply due to the fact that they