Unequal Distribution Of Wealth Research Articles

International social work as a human rights profession in the global society: Challenges and implications of the Sustainable Development Goals

This article discusses the importance of international social work in a global society. In an increasingly globalised world, we are interconnected in many ways and interdependent in a complex geopolitical (dis)order. This also applies to those involved in social work as a human rights profession. For a long time, the idea was that social workers had to act solely on a national level and that looking beyond one's own country could be refreshing but was unnecessary. However, we know how important international relationships, networks, and scientific exchanges are today. Geopolitical decisions often affect social work and its target groups at their core. Existential poverty and unemployment in countries of the Global South led to flight and migration to countries of the Global North. Crises such as wars or natural disasters have a wide range of effects on global value chains. The unequal distribution of poverty and wealth leads to asymmetrical power relations, which are not least the legacy of colonial and apartheid influence. This makes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations even more important. If, for example, the first goal in SDG 1 is formulated as "No poverty", then this poses numerous challenges for social work stakeholders in municipalities, states, and nations, to which they must find an answer. These challenge social work on several levels. The following article aims to discuss these challenges at macro-, meso- and micro levels and formulate mandates for action for international social work stakeholders. The aim is to contribute to forming a professional understanding that is defined beyond national structures and mandates.

The Economic Consequences of Tin Mining for Rural Livelihoods and Regional Development in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

This study explores the multifaceted economic consequences of tin mining on rural livelihoods and regional development in Jos Plateau, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the paper combines quantitative data analysis of economic indicators with qualitative interviews from local stakeholders, including miners, community leaders, and government officials. The purpose is to provide a nuanced understanding of the economic dynamics shaped by tin mining in the region. The research reveals that tin mining has historically been a significant driver of economic activity, leading to infrastructure development and job creation. However, it has also resulted in environmental degradation, health hazards, and social tensions due to land disputes and unequal wealth distribution. Furthermore, the study examines the role of government policies and international market fluctuations in influencing the economic outcomes of tin mining. The key findings underscore the importance of implementing sustainable mining practices and developing inclusive economic policies that prioritize the welfare of rural communities and foster balanced regional development. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at maximizing the positive economic impacts of tin mining while mitigating its adverse effects.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW ORDER PERIOD AND ITS INFLUENCE ON INDUSTRIALIZATION IN INDONESIA

The development of the New Order era, or what is usually called the New Order Era, is the term for the reign of General Soeharto, which replaced the Old Order, which refers to the era of Soekarno's reign. The New Order lasted from 1966 to 1998 and was marked by rapid economic development but also by practices of corruption, nepotism, and suppression of human rights. The New Order emerged as a result of the political and economic instability experienced by Indonesia during the Old Order. After the military coup that overthrew Sukarno's government, During the New Order era, there were several significant changes in the Indonesian economy. Political Stability. One aspect that was considered positive during the New Order period was the political stability that was created after a period of political and economic crisis at the end of Sukarno's reign, marked by transformation. significant economy, with a primary focus on industrial development as a pillar of economic growth. The policy of opening up to foreign investment became a characteristic of this era, influencing the structure of industrial ownership and having an impact on the industrialization process. This article discusses economic changes during the New Order era and their impact on the industrial sector in Indonesia. The New Order government pursued industrial infrastructure development, encouraged modernization, and prioritized export-oriented industrial sectors. Despite positive achievements, criticism of the unequal distribution of wealth and environmental impacts is highlighted. Dependence on foreign investment and foreign technology also creates its own challenges. In this context, this research outlines the economic dynamics and role of industrialization during the New Order period, highlighting its positive and negative consequences for industrial development in Indonesia.

Political Instability Causes & Affects

This article investigates the relationship between political instability and economic growth. We define “political instability” as the propensity of a government collapse, and we argues in which political instability and economic growth are interdependent to each other. The main result of this article is that in countries and as well as in Pakistan time periods with a high propensity of government collapse, growth is significantly lower as otherwise. This effect remains strong and shows consequences of political instability to socio-economic policies, unequal distribution of wealth, corruption, unemployment, poverty, mental and physical health, internal external terrorism and poor family leadership.” This article explores the complex link between political instability and economic growth, emphasizing the definition of "political instability" as the propensity for the dissolution of the government. The central theme of our argument is the relationship between economic expansion and political instability. This study's main conclusion is that, in nations—Pakistan being one prominent example eras marked by a higher risk of political collapse tend to have far slower rates of economic growth than periods marked by greater stability. This research reveals the profound effects of political instability on socio-economic policies, highlighting its long-lasting influence. The consequences are multifaceted, including uneven economic distribution, widespread corruption, prolonged joblessness, high rates of poverty, and negative impacts on mental and physical health. Moreover, political unrest has a significant impact on the incidence of both domestic and foreign terrorism, making security issues worse in impacted areas. Additionally, the study clarifies how political instability undermines the authority of families and shatters the foundation of social systems. This paper offers a thorough examination of the complex effects of political instability, shedding light on how it affects numerous socioeconomic indicators and economic growth. Comprehending these processes is of paramount importance for policymakers, scholars, and international leaders who aim to tackle the obstacles presented by political instability and promote stable, robust communities.

Combating Poverty and Social Inequality in 2023 a Global Imperative for Equitable Development and Social Justice


 In the last decade, poverty and social inequality have become increasingly pressing global challenges, exacerbated by the impact of the global economy, climate change, and the digital revolution. Rising inequality and unequal distribution of wealth not only hinder economic growth but also give rise to social and political instability. The fight against this problem requires a deep understanding of its causal factors and impact on global development. This research aims to analyze the factors that cause poverty and social inequality and their impact on global development, with a focus on solutions to overcome these problems. The research methodology uses a descriptive qualitative approach, with data obtained from relevant literature studies and in-depth analysis of the phenomenon. Data was collected from previous research results and processed through qualitative analysis to build a comprehensive understanding. The research results show that global economic factors, climate change, technology, public policy, and socio-cultural factors are the main causes of poverty and inequality. Its impact on global development includes stunting economic growth, social instability, and reduced access to health and education services. This research also finds that the solution to this problem requires international cooperation, innovative policies from governments, active contributions from the private sector, and the participation of non-governmental organizations. A multidisciplinary and participatory approach, as well as the use of technology and innovation, is needed to create sustainable solutions. Overall, this research provides new insights into strategies for achieving more inclusive and equitable development amidst current global challenges.

Justice in Business

Justice is one of the core principles in business ethics which not only concerns financial aspects, but also moral, social and cultural aspects which demand fair and equal treatment of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, business partners and society. Qualitative research methods based on secondary data can achieve the aim of this article to analyze and unite from a theoretical perspective, namely justice as providing equal opportunities for workers and in economics justice plays an important role in overcoming inequality and unequal distribution of wealth by achieving prosperity and increasing wealth. economic growth. In this regard, this article shows an appropriate framework for developing future research by analyzing the importance of implementing justice in business that influences various aspects.

Crisis of Unequal Distribution of Wealth

Robert Nozick is most prominently known as the hero of the anti-taxation movement and chief libertarian. However, in his later writings he introduced a rule that could justify estate taxation of up to 100 percent, the subtraction rule. This paper shows that this subtraction rule is not only compatible with the core pillars of his entitlement theory, but also necessary for self-ownership from a strictly libertarian-individualistic point of view. As such, it deals with the compatibility of such estate taxation with the historical non-patternedness of the entitlement theory as well as with the notion of self-ownership as core elements of Nozickian libertarianism. In particular, it is argued that self-ownership requires an intimate bond or explicit consent between the initial creator of an object and the current inheritor because the initial creator has poured a part of herself into the object. Where that explicit or implicit consent is not given, the transgression of the initial creator’s right has to be compensated by the inheritor. That compensation is realized through estate taxation. The subtraction rule could, therefore, help combat the ever-increasing cascading of wealth through generations and provide a useful tool for a more equal distribution of wealth.

Peran Wakaf Dan Zakat Dalam Meningkatkan Ekonomi Masyarakat Indonesia

Poverty and unemployment are currently complex and serious issues in Indonesia, with one of the primary causes being the unequal distribution of wealth in society. Islam presents a significant potential solution to address these problems through the utilization of zakat and waqf, two concepts deeply rooted in the principles of social justice and economic empowerment. This research aims to analyze the roles of zakat and waqf in improving the economic well-being of Indonesian society, exploring the potential for collecting zakat and waqf funds, and proposing productive waqf management models. The findings of the study reveal the pivotal roles that zakat and waqf play in reducing economic inequality. Zakat can be used to provide direct assistance to those in need and empower the community through small business capital and skills training. On the other hand, waqf has the potential to create long-term investments in economic development by utilizing waqf assets for productive projects that generate employment and income. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of productive and creative management of zakat and waqf funds, including strategic investments in waqf assets. Increasing public awareness of zakat and waqf and fostering collaboration with governmental institutions and communities are identified as key factors in maximizing the potential of zakat and waqf. Educational initiatives and fundraising models, such as conducting fundraising activities at various locations, are also described as crucial steps in achieving economic empowerment and poverty reduction through zakat and waqf. With the right approach, zakat and waqf have the potential to become powerful instruments in alleviating poverty and unemployment in Indonesia, leading to a more prosperous and economically equitable society.

Toplulukları Güçlendirmek: Bangladeş’te Covid-19 Sonrası Zekat Dağıtımını Yeniden Tanımlamak

Poverty persists as a global challenge, particularly in economically underdeveloped Islamic countries. Despite government efforts to address income inequality and reduce poverty, these issues continue to afflict societies. To effectively confront this pressing problem, it is imperative to scrutinize the impact of Zakat, a crucial institution in Islam, and its potential contribution to alleviating these challenges. Zakat, one of Islam's five pillars, plays a pivotal role as a guiding economic force and a form of worship. It serves as a means of social assistance and solidarity, fostering stronger bonds between the donor and the recipient. Zakat cultivates feelings of love, compassion, and mercy while also mitigating jealousy, envy, and hostility. Furthermore, it operates as a mechanism for income redistribution in societies marked by unequal wealth distribution. This long-standing practice is rooted in the belief that wealth is a trust from Allah and underscores the importance of sharing it with those in need. Zakat has the potential to address a range of economic issues, from supporting the marriages of impoverished individuals to tackling unemployment. It remains significant as an expression of social responsibility and a means to promote justice and compassion, ultimately creating a more equitable income distribution. The objectives of Zakat are multifaceted, encompassing goals such as poverty alleviation, wealth redistribution, strengthened social bonds, wealth purification, meeting basic needs, and empowering vulnerable individuals. However, in Muslim-majority countries such as Bangladesh, the impact of zakat distribution is often inadequate due to a lack of self-discipline and understanding among Muslims. Additionally, the economic recession triggered by COVID-19 has exacerbated poverty in Bangladesh, with adverse effects on employment and a significant increase in poverty rates among low-income workers. Fair and Shariah-compliant zakat distribution remains underutilized in these regions, including South Asian countries within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The ease of collective cash or clothing distribution in zakat practices has led to inaccurate assessments of the genuinely needy. This traditional approach has also drawn criticism for its deviation from Islamic principles. This study examines changing perceptions and practices of zakat distribution in Bangladesh, focusing on promoting effective and equitable distribution methods. These methods may include income-generating expenditures, vocational training, microfinance initiatives, and targeted cash transfers. By adhering to Zakat's authentic principles and purposes, Bangladesh can leverage its potential to alleviate poverty and foster a compassionate society per Islamic teachings. Emphasizing the importance of Zakat and applying it fairly can drive significant progress in poverty reduction and social development in Islamic countries like Bangladesh. This study seeks to explore innovative approaches to zakat distribution that align with contemporary economic challenges and societal dynamics, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of Bangladesh. As a result, poverty remains an ongoing problem in Islamic countries, and Zakat is a powerful tool to overcome this problem. By revising and improving the zakat distribution practices in Bangladesh, where the principles of Islamic economics guide efforts to reduce poverty and increase social welfare, work can be done toward building a more just and compassionate society.

Uberizing Agriculture in Drylands: A Few Enriched, Everyone Endangered

The future of water resources relies heavily on food production. Large-scale agriculture, driven by irrigation technology and cost reduction, has transformed traditional dryland croplands into a very profitable but environmentally and socially impactful agribusiness. The study of groundwater-dependent food systems is fragmented. Hydrology, on one hand, concentrates on water resources while overlooking surface agricultural processes. Meanwhile, the agro-economic sector is fixated on optimizing resource utilization for short-term profit maximization. Consequently, numerous adverse environmental and social consequences are overlooked by these conventional approaches. To steer resource usage and our food systems in a new direction, prioritizing the integration of this collective knowledge is imperative. Here, we analyze the impacts of greenhouse agriculture in SE Spain, one of the global hotspots of fruit and vegetable production. Through the lens of the treadmill of production theory we uncover the model’s significant profitability and its environmental and social effects, which include unequal wealth distribution, precarious working conditions, and the depletion and pollution of belowground water reserves. Reducing water use and limiting the development of new irrigated areas, using crop species adapted to available water resources, and empowering farmers against large distributors are key measures to avoid the social and economic collapse of this region, and of other dryland areas that have followed a similar unsustainable development model. The need for these changes becomes more pressing as the impacts of climate change continue to escalate. Within this context, groundwater reserves represent vital strategic resources that must not be wasted.

The Impact of Economic Development on Environment and Local Redisdents Living Standard in Beijing and Harbin

China experienced rapid economic growth in the past few years. Governments and citizens in developing countries are concerning about the environmental issues and peoples living standard in developing countries. Different areas respond differently to the impact of growth in the entire economy. The close relationship between economic development and environment and peoples living quality can be explored from multiple perspectives. This paper uses data from cities of mainland China to investigate the impact of different levels of economic development by comparing various economic and environmental factors. Factors such as gross domestic product, education availability and employment rate are included to consider the economic development of Beijing and Harbin in China. In this case, environment and living standard are represented by PM2.5 level, public transportation provision, life expectancy, as well as urban green area. Majority of the gaps in the data sets are the result of inequality in their economic growth. Problems of unequal distribution of wealth and geographical locations can be explained through the results from this topic.

Market Impact Analysis of Financial Literacy among A-Share Market Investors: An Agent-Based Model.

Financial literacy has become increasingly crucial in today's complex financial markets. This paper explores the impact of financial literacy on the stock market by establishing an artificial financial market that aligns with the characteristics of the Chinese A-share market using agent-based modeling. The study incorporates financial literacy into investors' mixed beliefs and simulates their behavior in the market. The results show that improving individual investors' financial literacy can improve market quality and investor performance, as well as reduce the unequal distribution of wealth to some extent. However, the phenomenon of speculative trading and irrational behavior in the market can pose potential risks that require regulatory measures. Thus, policy recommendations to improve individual investors' financial literacy and establish corresponding regulatory measures are proposed.

Advancing social impact through Islamic social finance: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Islamic social finance (ISF) has recently received much attention for its potential to address social problems such as poverty, hunger, and unequal wealth distribution. This study aims to map ISF research through a bibliometric analysis of 502 publications in the Scopus database from 1979 to 2022. Using state-of-the-art tools such as VOSviewer and R Studio, we uncover publication trends, co-authorship networks, and bibliographic integration in the field. Our results show a promising annual growth rate of 9.26% in ISF publications, with Malaysia and Hasan M. K. leading and Malaysia International Islamic University as the affiliate with the highest publication contribution. This study provides valuable recommendations for future research to enhance our understanding of ISF and unlock its potential social impact. However, we must first acknowledge the limitations of using Scopus data exclusively. Through this study, we hope to inspire further exploration of the power of ISF to create positive change in our world.

The Roots of Inequality: Texas School Politics and the Leadup to Rodriguez

AbstractContrary to Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell’s majority opinion in San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez (1973), Texas’s school finance system was the result of years of legislation and state-building that gave some areas the resources and capacity to provide more educational opportunities than others. As this article demonstrates, during the century leading up to the Rodriguez decision, Texas political leaders developed a public school funding system reliant on the highly unequal spatial distribution of property wealth across rural/urban, class, and racial lines. There was nothing inevitable about this. In fact, the history of Texas’s system reveals four pivotal eras when the state’s White leaders created and maintained a school finance system reliant on local property taxes and defined by rural/urban and racial differences that cemented deep inequalities. This case study traces those changes over time and brings part of the story to life through the example of Kirbyville, Texas, and its struggle to finance a new White high school. Returning to the historical roots of school financing in Texas reveals how rural/urban, racial, and wealth inequalities have been foundational to Texas’s public school finance system.

Reel Philanthropy: Lessons in Love Using Autoethnographic Filmmaking in Public Affairs Education

Love is at the heart of the mission of public service. Nevertheless, the field of public administration has drifted away from this core principle. In this article, we propose an approach to integrating philanthropy education into the public affairs curriculum that could realign public service with its mission to love. We identify, however, a significant challenge that persists. That is, traditional philanthropic education often emphasizes “elite philanthropy” tied to unequal wealth distribution (what we refer to here as philanthropy’s hegemonic archetype). Thus, traditional philanthropic education, although conceptually rooted in love, is generally far removed from notions of love. To overcome this challenge, we focus on the use of experiential philanthropy as a means to empower students to engage in meaningful philanthropic acts. However, we acknowledge that the approach may not completely transform students due to, what studies have found to be, its oftentimes short-term impact. We, therefore, explore how combining experiential philanthropy with methods of auto-inquiry, specifically autoethnographic filmmaking, can liberate philanthropy from its “elite” image and sustain students’ genuine commitment to love—and ultimately to public service.

GATED COMMUNITIES AS A SYMBOL OF INEQUALITY

This article takes the concept of gated communities to represent a special form of securitised housing, developed in the United States in the 20th century and popularised around the world in later years, and examines it as such. The neo-liberal society is an especially fertile ground for the development of this concept due to the unequal distribution of wealth, growing social stratification, poverty and segregation. Often, the surrounding roads are privatised and access to public areas is restricted for the purposes of these settlements, which leaves entire complexes within cities inaccessible to the majority of citizens. All these processes are in conflict with the democratic concept of the open city and the model of mixed housing, nurtured in the welfare state. The segregation of citizens, and their marginalisation and displacement (gentrification), along with the endangerment and privatisation of public spaces significantly reduce the democratic capacity of urban communities. The main concern of this research is the examination of the reasons which contribute to the expansion of gated communities, and the effects they have on the spirit of the urban community (alienation) and the democratic capacities of cities. The aim of the paper is to examine the notion of gated communities on a sample of cities in the Anglosphere (USA, Canada, New Zealand), and to analyse their specific effects. The analysis of the existing research and case studies concerning gated communities in the world often consists of the use of statistical methods, regulatory change analyses, and the interviews and surveys of tenants, managers, politicians and officials. The comparative method, used in this paper, focuses on the similarities and differences of gated communities in different countries, which enabled us to draw conclusions on better housing and urban development policies (synthesis).

Inequality Based on Power and Capital is Becoming Unsolvable in China: Integrating Culture and Comprehensive Wealth to Approach a Power–Capital Economy

This study assesses China’s power–capital economy model, linking it to cultural tightness and comprehensive wealth. The analysis indicates that cultural tightness interacts with the power–capital economy, and unequal distribution of diverse tangible and intangible wealth might result from differences in cultural capital. Power–capital-based inequality widened during the reign of Xi Jinping. Of note, the worsened inequality would be unsolvable because of the political power or government-led power–capital-based inequality. Viewed from the comprehensive wealth framework (CWF) perspective, enhancing a power–capital economy would not contribute to sustainability because the system might contribute to unequal distribution of comprehensive wealth between advantaged and disadvantaged groups regarding power capital.

Intersectionality as a theoretical framework for researching health inequities in chronic pain.

Chronic pain is experienced unequally by different population groups; we outline examples from the pain literature of inequities related to gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic and migration status. Health inequities are systematic, avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes between groups of people, with the fundamental 'causes of causes' recognised as unequal distribution of income, power and wealth. Intersectionality can add further theory to health inequities literature; collective social identities including class/socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender, migration status, age, sexuality and disabled status intersect in multiple interconnected systems of power leading to differing experiences of privilege and oppression which can be understood as axes of health inequities. The process of knowledge creation in pain research is shaped by these interconnected systems of power, and may perpetuate inequities in pain care as it is largely based on majority white, middle class, Eurocentric populations. Intersectionality can inform research epistemology (ways of knowing), priorities, methodology and methods. We give examples from the literature where intersectionality has informed a justice oriented approach across different research methods and we offer suggestions for further development. The use of a reductionist frame can force unachievable objectivity on to complex health concepts, and we note increasing realisation in the field of the need to understand the individuals within their social world, and recognise the fluid and contextual nature of this.

DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SERBIA FOR THE PERIOD 2015−2020. YEARS

The sector of small, medium enterprises and entrepreneurs has an important role in economic development of all countries. In recent years, they have become carriers of economic growth, regardless these are countries with developed economies, developing countries or countries in transition. These businesses entities contribute to increasing dynamics of the economy and improving its competitiveness. Their basic role in the economic system is to solve the problem related to low economic activity, low innovation, low level of competitiveness, unequal distribution of wealth and income, as well as high unemployment rate through the creation of new jobs. In Serbia, they also represent an important economic factor of development. Given that, they have the potential for further growth and development, this paper is about analysis of the development of the entrepreneurial sector in Serbia and neighboring countries, with special reference to the period from 2015 to 2020 years. The sector of small and medium enterprises is an extremely important economic segment, as the analysis of the development of this sector will show. 

Perceived Inequality Increases Support for Structural Solutions to Climate Change

Economic inequality is fuelling climate change. The question, however, remains whether the degree to which people perceive their country as unequal influences their motivation to support climate policies. Across three studies (N = 1,459), we investigated whether perceived inequality influences people’s support for structural climate policies over policies aimed at individual-level behavior change. In an Australian (Study 1) and a United Kingdom (Study 2) sample, we found that perceived inequality positively predicts people’s support for structural (vs. individual-level behavior) change policies, even after controlling for political orientation. In an experimental study (Study 3), people who imagined living in an unequal (vs. equal) country more strongly wanted their country to implement structural (vs. individual-level behavior) change policies. These effects were mediated by a greater desire for drastic changes. This suggests that recognizing one’s country’s unequal wealth distribution may act as a catalyst for the structural change urgently needed to limit climate change.