10.5.6

Economic Inequalities

Test yourself

Economic Inequalities Because of Development Aid

Some economic inequalities have arisen because of development aid.

Illustrative background for Top-down aidIllustrative background for Top-down aid ?? "content

Top-down aid

  • In some states that receive substantial development aid, economic inequalities have increased while in other states economic inequalities have decreased.
  • It has been suggested that top-down aid has tended to increase economic polarisation, while bottom-up aid has done more for the poor in terms of access to basic services (safe water and proper sewage disposal), primary education and healthcare.
Illustrative background for The Gini coefficientIllustrative background for The Gini coefficient ?? "content

The Gini coefficient

  • The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure that can be used to assess whether the distribution of income among individuals or households within an economy strays from a perfectly equal distribution.
  • A decrease in the Gini coefficient for any country indicates a move towards a more even distribution of income.

The Objectives of Superpowers

Superpowers like the USA and China often use aid as a way to extend their foreign policies and gain influence.

Illustrative background for SuperpowersIllustrative background for Superpowers ?? "content

Superpowers

  • Superpowers (e.g. USA, China) are defined by great economic wealth, military strength, reliable access to resources and a dominant ideology.
  • Superpowers also need to reinforce or enhance their global status.
Illustrative background for Tactics of superpowersIllustrative background for Tactics of superpowers ?? "content

Tactics of superpowers

  • They can achieve more global status by securing strategic locations, future supplies of resources (food, energy, minerals and water) and making technological advances to maintain their global sphere of influence.
  • Aid is often used as an extension of their foreign policies to achieve the above, though often with ‘strings attached’.
Illustrative background for Military alliancesIllustrative background for Military alliances ?? "content

Military alliances

  • Forming and maintaining military alliances are important aspects of this ‘benevolence’ as well as being examples of both ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power.
  • China maintains that it does not need to, nor want to, set up military alliances.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson