Socio-economic inequality
Media is challenged by other types of reporting and has to adapt to new practices that involves alternative and community producers as well as journalists. Socio-economic inequality is motivation for many protests and mobilization across the world.
US president talks up economy amid outrage over Minnesota killings
President Donald Trump touted the strength of the U.S. economy at a rally in Iowa, calling his first year in office the “greatest” start to
Record number of people in UK live in ‘very deep poverty’, analysis shows
A new analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals that 6.8 million people in the UK are living in “very deep poverty,” meaning their income
Australian government spends more on tax breaks for landlords than social housing, homelessness and rent assistance combined
Gemini said An analysis by the Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) found that the Australian government spent $12.3 billion on property investor tax concessions
‘Brazen’ political influence of rich laid bare as wealth of billionaires reaches $18.3tn, says Oxfam
Oxfam’s 2026 inequality report reveals that billionaire wealth reached a record $18.3 trillion in 2025. The report found that the number of billionaires surpassed 3,000
Report sets out ‘blueprint for change’ to increase working-class representation in the arts
A new inquiry titled “Class Ceiling,” led by Manchester-based experts, has released a “blueprint for change” to address the growing marginalization of working-class people in
Economic leaders at Davos say global growth is resilient despite Trump disruption
Leading global economic policymakers at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos expressed cautious optimism that the global economy remains resilient despite a year of
Earlier posts:
Trump’s ‘beautiful’ new law means states have big decisions this year on Medicaid, SNAP and taxes
State legislatures are grappling with significant fiscal decisions following a sweeping federal law signed by President Trump that shifts more financial responsibility for Medicaid and SNAP to the states. To comply with the law, states must decide whether to fund increased administrative costs and potential benefit penalties while also implementing new Medicaid work requirements that could leave millions uninsured. Additionally, lawmakers are weighing whether to align state tax codes with new federal exemptions for tips, overtime pay, and corporate breaks. These looming expenses and policy shifts arrive as many states face their tightest budget environments since the pandemic, forcing difficult choices between cutting services or increasing state spending.
Date: January 8, 2026. Source: apnews.com
Why the once loyal bazaar merchants are now protesting in Iran
Traditional bazaar merchants in Iran, historically a supportive pillar of the government, have begun protesting against deteriorating economic conditions. The unrest is driven by state favoritism towards large religious-revolutionary foundations and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has eroded the merchants’ economic standing. Chronic inflation and sanctions management have further widened the gap between the state-connected elite and independent business owners. These protests signal a deepening fracture caused by systemic economic inequality and mismanagement.
Date: January 10, 2026. Source: aljazeera.com
Pensions timebomb: why Europe’s social contract is becoming unsustainable
This report examines how aging populations and falling birthrates are straining European pension systems, threatening the traditional social contract. In countries like France and Germany, governments are facing intense political pressure as they weigh unpopular reforms such as raising the retirement age or increasing taxes on higher earners. The shift toward private pension models risks widening the wealth gap between those with stable employment and those in precarious sectors.
Date: December 29, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Zohran Mamdani is now mayor of New York City. Here’s what he campaigned on
Following a campaign centered on radical wealth redistribution and tenant rights, Zohran Mamdani has officially assumed the role of Mayor of New York City. His administration plans to focus on aggressive social housing programs and taxing the city’s ultra-wealthy to fund public services. The transition marks a significant shift in urban policy aimed at mitigating the extreme wealth gap in the United States’ largest financial hub.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Hundreds of Blackpool families to be evicted in ‘mass dispersion’ of vulnerable people
A controversial “mass dispersion” policy in Blackpool has led to the eviction of hundreds of vulnerable families from temporary accommodations. Local authorities claim the move is necessary to manage housing costs, but social advocates argue it further marginalizes low-income residents by stripping them of community ties. The situation underscores the ongoing crisis of affordable housing and the socio-economic displacement occurring in former industrial regions.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Ethnic minorities in England less likely to have access to diabetes tech – study
A study in Diabetic Medicine found that ethnic minorities in England have significantly less access to continuous glucose monitors despite being at higher risk for diabetes. Researchers noted that ethnicity and deprivation account for 77% of the variance in prescribing rates, highlighting deep structural inequities. While guidelines recommend this technology for many patients, they are not being implemented consistently across different regions. Experts are calling for urgent reforms to ensure medical access is based on clinical need rather than a patient’s background or income.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Growing numbers of over-60s facing homelessness, charities warn
UK-based charities have issued an urgent warning regarding a record increase in elderly citizens facing homelessness due to rising rents and inadequate pension support. Many over-60s are being pushed out of the private rental market, as social housing stock remains insufficient to meet growing demand. The report calls for immediate government intervention to protect vulnerable older adults from falling into extreme poverty.
Date: January 3, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Survey shows Swiss value health over wealth
A recent large-scale survey conducted by the gfs.bern research institute reveals that 99% of Swiss residents rank good health as the most important aspect of wealth. While material factors like money and property were recognized as providing security, they were given far less weight compared to non-material values like freedom and social relationships. Despite rising costs for housing and insurance, two-thirds of respondents reported feeling relatively relaxed about their own financial situations. However, the study also highlighted a growing social concern, with four out of five participants stating that the wealth gap in Switzerland has become too wide.
Date: December 24, 2025. Source: swissinfo.ch
US capitalism casts millions of citizens aside, yet Badenoch and Farage still laud it
This analysis highlights the disconnect between the admiration of the US economic model by UK right-wing politicians and the reality of rising poverty and inequality in America. It argues that the US system increasingly marginalizes millions of citizens, leaving them without adequate social safety nets while wealth concentrates at the top. The article warns European leaders against adopting a style of capitalism that generates such stark social divisions.
Date: December 27, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Student loan borrowers in default may see wages garnished in 2026
The Trump administration announced plans to begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers in default starting early next year, ending a period of leniency. Critics argue this move will exacerbate poverty and wealth inequality, particularly as families struggle with stagnant wages and high costs of living. The policy is expected to affect thousands of borrowers initially, with enforcement scaling up in subsequent months.
Date: December 24, 2025. Source: apnews.com
Labour must learn lessons from history as automation hits jobs market
The Labour government is being urged to manage the rise of workplace automation carefully to prevent mass unemployment and deepening inequality. While retail has already lost 350,000 jobs in a decade, high employment costs are further accelerating the shift toward tech-driven labor. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warns that, similar to the Industrial Revolution, robust training programs are essential to protect at-risk workers. Experts argue that without state intervention, the economic benefits of automation will favor the wealthy while leaving the most vulnerable behind.
Date: December 28, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Reform plan to cap aid at £1bn would damage UK’s international influence, critics warn
Reform UK has proposed capping Britain’s overseas aid at £1bn, a 90% cut that would leave the UK unable to meet major global financial commitments. Experts warn this move would severely diminish Britain’s international influence, potentially dropping its soft power below that of Russia or China. While the party claims the budget would still cover essential disaster relief, critics label the policy as a reckless blow to the UK’s global reputation.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
People in poorest areas of England ‘more likely to need emergency care for lung conditions’
New research indicates a severe health inequality in England, where residents in the most deprived areas are significantly more likely to require emergency hospital treatment for lung conditions. The study links these health outcomes to socio-economic factors such as poor housing quality and higher exposure to pollution. Health experts are calling for targeted investments in these communities to close the widening gap in health standards.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
French lawmakers adopt 2026 social security budget, suspend Macron’s flagship pension reform
French lawmakers passed a budget that suspends President Macron’s controversial 2023 pension reform, halting the retirement age increase from 62 to 64. This legislative reversal was driven by an unusual alliance between left-wing and far-right parties. The move deals a major blow to Macron’s political legacy and creates a significant funding gap in the social security system. The government must now find new ways to manage the pension deficit without the previously planned savings.
Date: December 16, 2025. Source: france24.com
‘Not a life here.’ Immigration raids hollow out Chicago neighborhood
Reuters reports that intensified immigration raids in Chicago have disproportionately destabilised the predominantly Mexican, working‑class neighbourhood of Little Village, depressing foot traffic and threatening small businesses. Local shop owners describe sharp revenue losses and heightened fear among residents, illustrating how enforcement actions can compound economic vulnerability in already marginalised communities.
The article highlights the knock‑on effects on livelihoods—especially for small enterprises reliant on community routines and informal networks.
Date: December 19, 2025. Source: reuters.com
Danish ‘ghetto’ residents upbeat after EU court ruling
Residents of a Danish housing project are awaiting a European Court of Justice ruling on the country’s controversial “ghetto law.” The policy targets neighborhoods with high “non-Western” populations for demolition and forced relocation to encourage integration. Plaintiffs argue the law is discriminatory and violates EU protections against ethnic and racial prejudice. A ruling in their favor could dismantle a key part of Denmark’s housing policy and set a major legal precedent for minority rights in Europe.
Date: December 18, 2025. Source: france24.com
Indonesians reeling from flood devastation plea for global help
Survivors of catastrophic flooding in Indonesia are pleading for international assistance as the death toll continues to rise and entire communities remain submerged. The disaster, triggered by unprecedented torrential rains, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and decimated local infrastructure and agriculture. Local authorities are struggling to deliver aid to remote areas, citing a severe shortage of clean water, food, and medical supplies.
Date: December 16, 2025. Source: france24.com
Why is there a gender pension gap, and what can women do?
The UK’s gender pension gap has reached 32%, largely due to lower lifetime earnings and career breaks for caregiving. Financial experts emphasize that women’s retirement savings suffer because they disproportionately handle unpaid domestic labor and part-time work. To narrow this gap, women are advised to start contributing early and make small, regular increases to their pension pots. The article also suggests that couples should treat retirement planning holistically, with higher-earning partners contributing to the pensions of those taking time off.
Date: December 19, 2025. Source:independent.co
More homeless people are dying on Oahu. Can the crisis be reversed?
A surge in deaths among the homeless population on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has alarmed officials, with fatalities more than doubling since 2014. The crisis is driven by a combination of severe housing unaffordability, lack of medical care, and substance abuse issues affecting those living on the streets. Local programs are attempting to provide better medical respite for the homeless to prevent the cycle of emergency room discharges back into unsafe living conditions.
Date: December 12, 2025. Source: apnews.com
Gen Z ‘at risk of being left behind’ amid mental health and obesity crisis
A report warns that Generation Z faces becoming a “left-behind generation” due to rising rates of poverty, obesity, and mental health disorders compared to previous cohorts. The findings suggest that economic instability and underfunded public services are disproportionately affecting young adults, with over 1.2 million in the UK currently living in relative poverty. Experts argue that without targeted intervention in housing and health policy, this demographic will suffer long-term socio-economic disadvantages.
Date: December 8, 2025. Source: independent.co
Where in the world are wealth and income most unequal?
The 2026 World Inequality Report highlights that the richest 10% of the global population now controls 75% of all wealth, while the bottom half owns just 2%. South Africa is identified as the world’s most unequal country, with its top 10% holding 85% of national wealth and earning 66% of total income. While European nations like Sweden and Norway show lower disparity, global wealth is still growing twice as fast as the overall economy. Consequently, the top 0.001% now commands three times as much wealth as the bottom 50% of the entire human population.
Date: December 10, 2025. Source: aljazeera.com
Nearly one in four working parents turning to food banks as cost of living crisis shows no signs of easing
New research from The Felix Project reveals that approximately 1.7 million working parents in the UK have accessed food support services in the last year due to financial hardship. The study indicates that wages are failing to keep pace with the cost of essentials, forcing many employed individuals to rely on charity to feed their children. This data highlights a growing crisis of “in-work poverty,” where employment is no longer a guaranteed protection against food insecurity.
Date: December 12, 2025. Source: independent.co
Just 0.001% hold three times the wealth of poorest half of humanity, report finds
The 2026 World Inequality Report reveals that just 0.001% of the population holds three times the wealth of the poorest half of humanity. Currently, the richest 10% own 75% of global assets, while the bottom 50% share only 2%, reflecting an extreme concentration of financial power. The study highlights a vast “geography of opportunity,” noting that education spending in wealthy nations is 40 times higher per child than in sub-Saharan Africa. Experts are calling for urgent political intervention and global taxes on the ultra-rich to protect economic resilience and democratic stability.
Date: December 10, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Starmer Sets Out Plans to Cut Child Poverty by 550,000
Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the government’s comprehensive new strategy aimed at reducing child poverty by 550,000 by 2030. The long-awaited strategy, which includes an expansion of free school meals and more accessible childcare, was described as a “moral mission” for the country. Starmer emphasized that tackling child poverty would yield long-term benefits by alleviating pressure on public services and supporting the working poor. The Institute for Public Policy Research noted that regions with the highest existing poverty rates are expected to see the largest proportional increases in household income.
Date: December 05, 2025. Source: independent.co
FM pledges more cash for tackling poverty after Reeves scraps two-child cap
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney pledged to dedicate money freed up in the Holyrood Budget toward tackling persistent child poverty across the nation. This commitment followed the UK Chancellor’s decision to abolish the controversial two-child benefit cap, which restricted support for larger families. Swinney confirmed that the funding resulting from the policy change would be reinvested to maximize the impact on vulnerable children. The move is expected to benefit approximately 95,000 children in Scotland who were previously affected by the limit.
Date: November 26, 2025. Source: independent.co
Is the UK economy really as bad as we think it is? Here is the truth of the matter
An analysis of the UK economy posits that years of necessary expansionary monetary policies have inadvertently exacerbated wealth inequality by inflating the value of financial assets and property. The prolonged period of “easy money” flowed heavily into the housing market and equities, worsening the affordability squeeze as housing stock failed to keep pace with demand. This dynamic means that those who own assets, like international investors or existing homeowners, have seen their wealth increase substantially. Conversely, those without assets face the dual challenge of rising rental costs and stagnant income growth.
December 4, 2025. theguardian.com
Santa Fe Tackles Rental Rates with First-in-US Minimum Wage Approach
Santa Fe, New Mexico, has become the first city in the United States to directly link its minimum wage ordinance to local housing affordability metrics in a pioneering effort to counter soaring rental costs. The updated ordinance introduces a blended formula to calculate annual wage increases, using both the Consumer Price Index and fair market rental prices. This new approach aims to ensure that workers who are vital to the city’s economy can afford to live within its boundaries, according to Mayor Alan Webber. City officials view the measure as a critical tool for addressing an affordability crisis that threatens the city’s unique cultural and economic fabric.
November 27, 2025. apnews.com
When Being Rich Feels Wrong: Inside the World of Millionaires Battling ‘Wealth Shame’
As the United Kingdom’s wealth gap widens, with the richest families now holding more wealth than the poorest half of the population, a new phenomenon termed “wealth shame” is emerging among millionaires. This feeling of guilt stems from inheriting or generating passive income amid such stark societal inequality, prompting some to feel like “class traitors” or lobbyists for a fairer system. The psychological discomfort reflects the brutality of the widening divide, which a recent report suggests could act as a significant driver of societal collapse. This guilt can, however, be channeled into active atonement, driving wealthy individuals to fund causes that aim to address the injustices they perceive.
November 25, 2025. independent.co
G20 Summit to Hear Call for New ‘Global Inequality Panel’
An expert committee has formally proposed that G20 leaders establish a new International Panel on Inequality (IPI), modeled after the UN’s climate body, to track and address the alarming global wealth gap. This call was made ahead of the G20 summit and cites a report that finds 90% of the world’s population lives in countries suffering from dangerously high inequality, threatening both democratic stability and economic progress. Since 2000, the wealthiest one percent have captured 41% of all new global wealth, significantly outpacing gains for the poorest half of humanity. The creation of such an independent panel would provide a vital mechanism for analyzing underlying causes and recommending coordinated global policy responses.
November 21, 2025. euobserver.com
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice
This analysis contrasts China’s success in eliminating extreme poverty with the persistent and growing income inequality in the United States. While China managed to reduce the number of people living on less than $3 a day from 83% of its population to zero by 2019, over 4 million Americans still subsist on this amount. The author contends that this profound disparity is not an inevitable market outcome but a result of decades of policy choices that consistently prioritized market forces over wealth redistribution. As a result, the income share of the poorest 10th of the U.S. population is now comparable to that of poor people in countries like Bolivia.
Nov 23, 2025 theguardian.com
Women more likely than men to be in poverty due to public debt, research finds
New research from the University of Glasgow highlights that women in Scotland are disproportionately driven into poverty by the collection of public debt and arrears. Analysis of debt advice records showed that 57% of people seeking help with high-priority arrears were women, due to factors like reduced income from caring responsibilities. Charities are urging decision-makers to view these arrears as an “emergency flare” and treat debt collection in a more humane and poverty-aware way. The practice of deducting money from benefits like Universal Credit to pay arrears is pushing vulnerable families deeper into financial hardship.
Nov 25, 2025 independent.co
Copenhagen turns against PM Frederiksen’s party over housing costs
Copenhagen is experiencing significant political upheaval as voters turn against the ruling party over a crippling housing crisis. In just four years, the average flat price has soared by nearly 30%, effectively driving out working-class residents and traditional supporters. This trend demonstrates how housing affordability has become a central issue exacerbating urban socio-economic inequality across Europe. The political backlash underscores a growing public demand for government action to address skyrocketing living costs in capital cities.
Nov 18, 2025 https://euobserver.com/eu-political/ar4e13d1f2
November 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions plus cost of living support
Millions of households across the UK continue to face a persistent struggle with the cost of living crisis, driven by high prices and stagnant wages. Research indicates that approximately 14 million adults are currently forced to skip meals or go without food because they simply cannot afford necessities. The burden of high household bills is pushing countless families into debt just to cover basic living expenses. This situation highlights the deepening socio-economic divide and the failure of existing government support to adequately cushion the impact of the crisis.
Nov 19, 2025 https://www.independent.co.uk
As world leaders enter climate talks, people in poverty have the most at stake
The article highlights the profound link between climate change and socio-economic inequality ahead of major global climate talks. Poor communities globally are disproportionately vulnerable to climate hazards like extreme heat, flooding, and drought. A UN report found that 82% of people in poverty, even in wealthy nations, face exposure to at least one major climate hazard. These climate shocks destroy livelihoods and assets, and without savings, poor families lack the resources to rebuild, further cementing their poverty.
Nov 5, 2025 https://www.independent.co.uk
Career breaks push women into pension poverty
A new report highlights a widening gender pension gap in Scotland, putting more than a third of women at risk of poverty in retirement. The gap, which now stands at £113,000 between men’s and women’s median private pensions, is overwhelmingly caused by career breaks taken for childcare. A five-year break can cost a woman over £69,000 in lost retirement savings and compound interest. These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to ensure caregiving responsibilities do not financially penalize women later in life.
Nov 18, 2025 https://www.scotsman.com