NTSUMI FERRAO

Inequality is one of the biggest problems that many countries face today. It can take
different forms—economic inequality, social inequality, gender inequality, and political
inequality. These problems prevent people from having equal chances in life. One
solution to inequality that has been suggested is providing better education for
everyone. Many believe that education can give people the tools they need to improve
their lives, earn better wages, and have more equal opportunities. However, some
argue that education alone may not be enough to reduce inequality. This essay will look
at education from three different perspectives—economic, social, and ethical/political—
to explore how education can help reduce inequality. It will also discuss the strengths
and weaknesses of each perspective and explain that while education is important,
other factors also need to be addressed in order to reduce inequality effectively.

From an ECONOMIC POINT OF VIEW, education is seen as a way to improve

people’s earning potential and increase the wealth of a country. Education helps people
learn new skills, making them more productive and valuable workers. According to the
World Bank (2022), each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income
by about 10%. Countries that invest in education tend to experience faster economic
growth and lower levels of poverty. This shows that education is directly connected to
better economic opportunities and can help people earn more money.
In developing countries, where income inequality is often more severe, education can
help reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. By giving people access to better
education, they can learn skills that make them more competitive in the job market. For
example, vocational training programs in countries like India and Brazil have helped
many people get better jobs and earn higher wages. Brazil’s Bolsa Família program:
The Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) is a government programme introduced in 2003 by
the then-president, Lula da Silva. It aimed to “improve the efficiency and coherence of
the social safety net and to scale up assistance to provide universal coverage of Brazil’s
poor”.
which provides financial support to poor families on the condition that their children
attend school, has improved education levels and helped reduce income inequality. In
India, the National Skill Development Mission has helped millions of people gain the
skills needed for better-paying jobs.
However, there are limitations to the economic argument. Even though education can
help people earn more money, it does not always guarantee that everyone will benefit
equally. Wealthier families still have access to better educational opportunities, while
poorer families often have to send their children to underfunded schools. In many
countries, education is still a privilege for the rich. Furthermore, women in some
countries, especially in low-income areas, do not get the same economic benefits from
education because of discrimination in the workplace. For example, even though
women may receive education, they may still earn less than men for doing the same
work. Therefore, while education has many economic benefits, it doesn’t automatically
solve the problem of inequality.
Despite these limitations, the economic argument is still strong because it offers clear,
measurable evidence of how education can improve people’s lives. However, to make
sure that everyone benefits from education, governments need to create policies that
make education more equal and accessible.

From a SOCIAL POINT OF VIEW, education is important because it can help people
understand their rights and improve their relationships with others. Education can help
build a more inclusive society where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and
abilities can live and work together peacefully. Education helps people develop the skills
to engage with society, whether through work, voting, or community involvement.
Education can also help people understand their rights, giving them the power to stand
up against injustice.
Many studies have shown that educating women leads to better outcomes for families
and communities. In many African countries, for example, educating women is
considered a key way to promote long-term economic development. Educated women
tend to have healthier families, better employment opportunities, and stronger
involvement in their communities. In fact, studies show that educating girls is one of the
most effective ways to reduce poverty and inequality.
Inclusive education, which includes students with disabilities or from minority
backgrounds, also helps build stronger, more tolerant societies. It teaches people to
appreciate diversity and to see it as a strength. In Rwanda, for example, after the
genocide, the government reformed the education system to promote national unity and
reconciliation. Schools began teaching lessons on peace and tolerance to help heal the
country and reduce ethnic tensions. This is an example of how education can bring
people together and promote social stability.
Furthermore, programs like “Educate A Child” in the Middle East and North Africa focus
on providing education to refugee children, giving them both academic skills and the
opportunity to integrate into new communities. These programs show how education
can help displaced children find their place in society and make meaningful
contributions to their new communities.
However, the social perspective also points out that not all education systems are fair or
effective. In many countries, private schools serve wealthier families, while public
schools are underfunded and struggle to provide quality education to the poor. In South
Africa, for example, the legacy of apartheid has left a large gap between the education
systems for white and black students. Even though apartheid ended years ago, black
schools are still under-resourced, which means that children in those areas often
receive a much lower quality education. Moreover, if schools do not respect students’
cultural backgrounds or teach in a language they understand, minority students may
feel alienated and excluded from the education system.
For education to truly reduce inequality, it must be designed to include everyone. It must
be of high quality and relevant to all students, regardless of their background. Education
that promotes inclusion and social understanding is essential for building a fairer and
more cohesive society.

Education is also a question of Ethics and Political Responsibility. The idea that
education is a basic human right is enshrined in important global agreements like the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG 4) a commitment to ensure inclusive and equitable
quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal
aims to provide children and young people with quality and easy access to
education, as well as other learning opportunities, and supports the reduction of
inequalities. These agreements state that everyone should have the right to a quality
education, regardless of their social or economic background. This view holds that
governments have a moral responsibility to provide education to all their citizens.
According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report (2024/5), there are still
251 million children and young people worldwide who are not in school. This is not just
because of financial barriers but also due to political failures, such as corruption,
conflict, and weak governance. In many countries, governments fail to implement
effective education policies because of a lack of political will or because of corruption
that diverts resources away from education. Some governments prioritize other things,
like military spending or short-term political gains, over long-term investments in
education, making it harder to address inequality.
The ethical argument for education is powerful because it frames education as a matter
of justice, not charity. Denying someone access to education is seen as a violation of
their basic human rights. Education is not just an opportunity to improve one’s economic
situation—it is a matter of fairness and equal treatment. Everyone should have the
chance to receive an education and improve their lives, regardless of their gender,
social class, or the country they live in.
However, ethical arguments can only go so far without concrete political action. It is not
enough to say that education is a right—it must be supported by governments that are
willing to invest in education, provide adequate funding, and create strong, transparent
policies. Many governments, especially in poor or conflict-ridden countries, struggle to
provide quality education due to political instability, corruption, or lack of resources. In
authoritarian regimes or conflict zones, education is often controlled and manipulated
for political purposes. For example, in Afghanistan, the Taliban has severely restricted
girls’ access to education, despite international condemnation. This shows the limits of
ethical arguments in practice, especially in countries where education is used as a
political tool.
Even though ethical appeals may not always lead to immediate change, they are still
important because they help raise awareness about education as a basic right.
International organizations, NGOs, and human rights groups often use rights-based
arguments to press governments to take action. They provide aid, track progress, and
hold governments accountable for their commitments to education.
Each perspective—economic, social, and ethical/political—offers valuable insights into
how education can reduce inequality. The economic perspective shows that education
can directly increase income and promote national development. The social perspective
highlights how education can foster inclusion, empower marginalized groups, and
promote peace and tolerance. The ethical/political perspective emphasizes that
education is a fundamental human right and governments have an obligation to provide
it. However, none of these perspectives alone is enough to fully reduce inequality.
Economic growth driven by education can be undermined by systemic barriers that
prevent the poorest people from accessing quality education. Social inclusion requires
education systems to be both accessible and relevant to all students, while ethical
arguments need strong political will and effective governance to be implemented.
Therefore, a comprehensive, holistic approach is necessary to tackle inequality
effectively.
In practice, this means that education policies must be designed to address all these
perspectives. Governments should invest in high-quality public education (economic),
ensure curricula reflect diverse identities and backgrounds (social), and create legal
frameworks that guarantee the right to education (ethical/political). Collaboration
between governments, international organizations, and NGOs is essential to close the
global education gap.
Case studies, such as Finland’s education system, show that it is possible to create an
education system that combines economic growth, social inclusion, and ethical values.
Finland’s free, high-quality education system, along with well-trained teachers and
inclusive curricula, has resulted in low inequality and high academic performance. In
contrast, countries with weak education systems often experience cycles of poverty,
poor governance, and social unrest, which only deepen inequality.
In conclusion, access to quality education is a key factor in reducing inequality, but it is
not a standalone solution. Education empowers individuals economically, promotes
social inclusion, and fulfills ethical obligations to ensure a fairer society. However, its
effectiveness in addressing inequality depends on strong policies and reforms in other
areas. Inequality is a complex issue that requires coordinated efforts across education,
economic policies, social reform, and political governance.
Education offers significant benefits, including improved job opportunities and long-term
wealth creation. But these benefits can only be realized if the education system is
inclusive and equitable. To reduce inequality, education must be part of a broader
system that includes economic redistribution, healthcare, and political stability. This
holistic approach ensures that individuals can thrive not only through education but also
through the support of a well-functioning society.
The global education gap underscores the need for greater collaboration between
governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Education
is a shared responsibility, and initiatives like the Education for All movement and the
United Nations' SDG 4 aim to facilitate access to quality education in underserved
regions. These efforts help close the education gap and promote equity across nations.
However, challenges such as political instability, inadequate funding, and social
prejudices continue to hinder progress. Many education systems are underfunded or
inaccessible, and marginalized communities face persistent barriers. Overcoming these
challenges requires a long-term commitment from local and international stakeholders
to ensure sustainable educational reforms.
In sum, while education is a powerful tool for creating a more equitable world, its full
impact can only be realized through systemic changes that address the root causes of
inequality. By taking a comprehensive approach, including improvements in education,
economic policy, and social infrastructure, we can work toward a future where inequality
is reduced, and the potential of individuals and societies is unlocked.
List of references:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/overview
https://www.infofinland.fi/en/education/the-finnish-education-system
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000391406
https://centreforpublicimpact.org/public-impact-fundamentals/bolsa-familia-in-brazil/
https://www.unesco.org/reports/gem-report/en/2024
https://www.epi.org/publication/education-inequalities-at-the-school-starting-gate/