Global inequality concerns how wealth, income, opportunities, and other resources are distributed across the world. This lesson introduces several ways researchers measure economic inequality and poverty, then explains how three sociological perspectives help interpret these patterns.
No single measure captures every aspect of inequality. Researchers use multiple indicators to build a fuller picture of economic conditions and people’s opportunities.
All flashcards
Human Development Index (HDI)
A measure combining lifespan, education, and income to describe aspects of human development.
Gini coefficient
A summary measure of income or wealth inequality; 0 indicates perfect equality and 1 maximal inequality.
World systems approach
Immanuel Wallerstein’s framework for understanding global inequality through connected positions in a capitalist economy.
Capital flight
The movement of capital, jobs, or productive facilities from one nation to another.
Global stratification
The unequal distribution of valued resources and opportunities between nations and among groups within nations.
Quiz questions
What does a Gini coefficient of 0 represent?Answer: Everyone in the population receives the same income.
What is a limitation of comparing the richest and poorest 10 percent of a population?Answer: The comparison leaves out the middle of the income distribution.
Which two dimensions are included in global stratification?Answer: Inequality between nations and inequality within nations.
In Wallerstein’s world systems approach, what characterizes semi-peripheral nations?Answer: They occupy an intermediate position linked to core and peripheral economies.
What measure does the World Bank use for its national income groups?Answer: Gross national income per capita.
Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.