Global Inequality: North-South Divide and Ethical Solutions
A World Divided
Unfortunately, our world is divided into two parts: the economic North and South. The North, to which we belong, is characterized by good living conditions. It houses 25% of the world’s 6.75 billion people, who own 75% of global wealth. In contrast, the economic South faces harsh living conditions. 75% of the global population resides there, possessing only 25% of global wealth.
The Impoverished and Dominated South
The South includes Africa, Central and South America, and most of Asia. It differs from the North as its economy relies heavily on agriculture and lacks the technology to create industries. Living conditions are deplorable, with inadequate health services, education, nutrition, and housing. While some in Africa enjoy privileges similar to the North, the majority live in abject poverty, lacking basic necessities.
The South is plagued by:
- Hunger: Most of the hungry are unemployed and lack daily sustenance. Famines caused by war or drought exacerbate the situation.
- Diseases: Tens of millions suffer from preventable diseases. Resource scarcity leads to child mortality from illnesses easily treated in the North.
- Illiteracy: Education is a privilege many Southern children lack. Inadequate schools hinder their development. In sub-Saharan Africa, only half the children are enrolled in school.
Global Issues: Economic Problems and Ethical Solutions
The world’s most serious problems include:
- Poverty: While some countries have improved, many African nations have worsened. External factors make it difficult for developing countries to escape poverty. Developed nations hinder their ability to sell agricultural products and textiles.
- Injustice: Many countries lack democratic regimes. Political corruption is rampant in non-democratic states, perpetuating poverty. Less developed countries suffer the consequences of unwise industrial policies. Climate change disproportionately affects these states. Injustice leads to violence, with developed countries selling arms to conflict zones, resulting in child soldiers and landmines.
- Irresponsibility: This can cause tremendous disasters. Global resources require protection and collective responsibility. Environmental care and responsible consumption are everyone’s business.
- Greed: The excessive desire for wealth and power leads to resource destruction, exploitation of people, and wars for natural resources. Ethical economic mechanisms compatible with freedom, justice, and benefit are always possible.
Reasons for Poverty in the South
The North-South divide stems from an inequitable economic order favoring the powerful. Many Southern countries were colonies of Northern nations, exploited for their resources and labor. Even after independence, the North maintained dominance by controlling governments, economies, and supporting wars.
Responsibility for Poverty
In the South, dictatorships or corrupt governments favor ruling classes and Northern multinationals, exacerbating poverty. Businessmen and landowners exploit the poor, paying low wages and hindering development. The North exploits the South by buying commodities cheaply and reselling them at high prices. They also enslave workers, including children, paying meager wages. The main cause of poverty is debt. The North lends money to the South at high interest rates, intended for development. However, corrupt politicians and businessmen pocket the money or invest it in wars, buying arms from the North. Indebted Southern countries cannot meet interest payments, hindering investment in development, health, and education.