Dimensions, Causes, and Consequences
Inequalities today permeate all areas of our society. They shape the distribution of income and wealth as well as equal opportunities based on factors like gender, origin, or disability. In this report, Ellen Ehmke, Senior Expert at the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and Martina Ciravegna, formerly with the Robert Bosch Stiftung and now Projekt Officer at the Deutschlandstiftung Integration, explore the complex nature of these inequalities.
The authors explain different dimensions of inequality, ranging from “vertical” differences in income and wealth to “horizontal” inequalities between social groups. They show how inequalities overlap and interconnect, creating a dense fabric that grants advantages to some while holding back others. The paper also looks at the historical roots of these inequalities: the legacy of colonialism, unequal use of natural resources, or unpaid care work. It highlights how these mechanisms continue to affect societies today.
The text illustrates why inequality harms everyone and not only those experiencing poverty and exclusion. Inequalities hinder opportunities for personal development and erode the social cohesion of societies. They undermine trust in democracies and weaken our collective ability to respond to crises.
Finally, the report presents ideas and approaches on how to address inequalities at a systemic level. At the center lies the belief that tackling inequality is a question of the distribution of power. The paper also introduces some partner organizations with which the Robert Bosch Stiftung collaborates to address inequalities.
