It might seem far-fetched that discord in the 21st Century is mainly based around political, social and economic inequality. But in fact, they are part of our and everybody’s daily lives in some form or another. The three aspects are involved in the majority of issues around the world. Inequality is sometimes perceived to be gender-based or sexuality-based but it ventures much further than that. Therefore, I strongly agree that the increasing levels of political, social and economic inequality is the main cause of 21st Century conflict.
Political inequality refers to the gap between political parties or people in the government of a country. Some may have more power and influence over decision-making than others. It leads to unfair and unequal decisions made that don’t represent what the country wants or needs but rather what the political party or person feels is best.
A very good, well-known example in South Africa is the situation surrounding Zuma, the ANC and the government. A few years ago it was confirmed where the country’s budget and the citizen’s tax money had gone to. Right into now ex- president of ANC and South Africa, Jacob Zuma’s pocket for his personal purchases and luxuries. He had the most power and influence in this democratic government. This left the citizens with poor government service to housing, electricity and clean water and left the country with roads, buildings and public facilities in bad conditions. The result of this being anger in the population and many protests and uprisings broke out. There was one protest was on 5th of February 2018 where anti-Zuma and pro-Zuma went head to head outside the Luthuli House (ANC Headquarters) in Johannesburg, it grew violent and some protesters attacked a van. Another protest was in August 2012 in Cape Town. The protesters lived in a township and started a violent riot against the lack of service from the government, no help, no sanitation and no.
Another example political inequality in the last 19 years is the Ukrainian Revolution in 2014 in Kiev. A series of violent riots lasting 5 days between citizens and the government’s police forces. This was caused by political inequality, newly elected president Viktor Yanukovych made big changes and decisions. He reinstated the 2004 Constitution and this was an unequal decision because no other persons had a vote or voice. The citizens and other political persons didn’t have a say in the changes and they got upset leading to 82 deaths during the protesting.
Social inequality refers to the unfair treatment or opportunities given to different people of different social statuses in a society. This can include the person’s income, race, sexuality or gender identity. Social inequalities can violate civil rights and basic human needs. In the last 19 years, social inequality has become a well-known topic, there have been countless protests, campaigns, lawsuits, marches and discussions online and off social media around social inequality.
For example, in May 2013 hundreds of thousands of people marched for gay-marriage in Paris, France. The demonstration got out of hand in the end and a few people were arrested for behaving disorderly. This is conflict between the anti-gay citizens and the pro-gay citizens and the government’s police. Not only that but it also takes away the civil right to marry the person of his/her choice, right to life. Another example is taking away the ability to have a family or adopt because someone is identified as a homosexual. This happened in Tel Aviv, Israel in July 2017. The High Court of Justice opposed to same-sex couples and adoption and thousands of protesters gathered outside the military headquarters. During the rally, there were fights between protesters and police and a few arrests once again.
Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of wealth or income between different states, countries or even groups of people. It can also refer to employment opportunities. In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is fairly large and permanent due to unequal distribution of resources.
For example in South Africa, the gap between the rich and the poor is believed to be a post-apartheid outcome, one that the country is struggling to bridge. People in South Africa’s society with different wealth statuses may resent each other. Those with a low income can become upset with those that have a high income because it’s unequal and unfair distribution and often a permanent position. This leads to people coming up with ideas to improve their income like striking until they receive a higher wage or salary. In 2014, the South African Platinum Strike lasted 5 months and the Rustensburg strikers received better wages the following years. The strike was the one of the worst ones SA had ever experienced. It affected the citizens around the strikers, who were angry and committing criminal offences and creating inconvenience to get the governments attention. This was conflict between the strikers and the government, the strikers and their fellow citizens and the government and the other citizens. It was a very long dispute.
On the other hand, inequality is not the cause for all conflict because there is an issue of climate change, global warming and pollution in the 21st Century that people are fighting for all around the world. People and especially teenagers versus climate change has been a universal concern for a long time and has increasingly become a popular subject surrounding young people in the last two decades. Teenagers are rising up against their country’s governments to fight for laws to sustain and protect the Earth. For example, there is an up and coming international climate school strike on Friday the 15th of March 2019. It’s a strike taking place in more than 60 schools in Australia alone, along with hundreds of other schools and thousands of other students all over. This strike will cause conflict in the global population. It could lead to discord between the school body, teachers, parents, the governments and the students challenging them.
In conclusion, political, social and economic inequalities are the biggest factors causing 21 Century conflict. They are a part of almost everything in our lives, every day. Each aspect covers a lot. Political inequality covers government and citizen disputes with unequal decisions and resulting outcomes made by dynasties or an unwanted/unfair election. Example, the 5 day riot in Kiev against the decisions of the new president. Social inequality covers social issues and discrimination in society like gender, sexuality, age and race. An example being the violent protest in Tel Aviv, Israel in July 2017 for gay adoption. Economic inequality covers the gap between the rich and the poor, the distribution of resources, wealth and employment opportunities. An example of the conflict it causes is the 2014 South African Platinum Strike that lasted 5 months and created conflict between strikers, the government and other citizens. Although inequality is a huge factory, there is also the conflict global warming and climate change creates around the world to take into consideration. Overall, I strongly agree that 21st Century discord and conflict completely surrounds political, social and economic inequality universally.
