Social inequality is the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. It includes income and wealth gaps, but also disparities in education, health, housing, and political power. It is not accidental. It is produced and maintained by institutions, policies, and cultural beliefs.

Inequality varies widely across countries. Nordic countries have relatively low inequality. The United States has high inequality for a wealthy nation. The Gini coefficient measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Dimensions of inequality

• Economic: income, wealth, debt
• Educational: school quality, graduation rates
• Health: life expectancy, disease rates
• Political: representation, lobbying power
• Spatial: segregation, environmental hazards

High inequality harms everyone. It reduces social mobility, increases crime, and undermines democracy. It also shortens lives — not just for the poor, but for everyone. More equal societies tend to have better health, lower crime, and stronger communities.