Question

What is the relationship between economic equality and democracy? How does the democratic process affect the level of equality in a given society? What are the political impacts of high inequality?

Answer 1

Answer: Relationship between Politics, economics and inequality is very complex.Talking about the realtionship between Democracy and economic equality is linked to it as well.Various reports published by institutions like World economic forum' World development Inclusiveness Index presents statistics that where there is more income equality exists like in Nordic countries, there is level of democracy is very well established, people have got more rights and freedom to live an happy life as data shows from world Happiness Index by SDSN.Also World democracy Index published by EIU shows strong correlation between the two.. i.e. democracy increases economic equality and vice versa.

This is indeed true that democratic process affect the level of equality in a given society.As democracy is the system for the people, by the people and adherence with its core values like Rights, freedom, equality, fraternity and liberty, they prosper the development in the society whether its been economic, social or political .

As economic inequalities attracts social disharmony and creats rift among communities hence higher the inequalities ,more likely we are to move away from democracy and vice versa.

Inequality in any society affects its social, economic as well as political progress. Among its political affects, here some points can be mentioned as:

1.It weakens the democratic values and social fabric of society as social disharmony among communities often utilized as tools by politicians to grab votes.

2.Its extreme form can create a situation of civil war in the country as such conditions can be seen in various African nations.

3.Higher income , social Inequalities detaches people from the faith in the democractic processes hence weakene democratic institutions.

4.Specifically higher income inequalities where rich are becoming more rich and poors are becoming more poorer, often fuels crony capitalism hence further weakens political culture.

Hope it helps!

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