MSD 019: Unit 11 - SDG10–Reduced Inequalities

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 UNIT 11: SDG 10 – REDUCED INEQUALITIES

11.0 Introduction

Inequality is a persistent global issue that affects income, opportunity, access to resources, social status, and political voice. Reducing inequality within and among countries is not just a matter of social justice but is essential for sustainable development and global peace. Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) was established to address these disparities and to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status.

While some progress has been made in reducing poverty and expanding access to education and healthcare, inequality continues to grow in many regions. COVID-19 further widened income and opportunity gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups. SDG 10 seeks to correct these imbalances by enabling inclusive economic growth and fairer systems.

11.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

·         Understand the concept and dimensions of inequality.

·         Learn how inequality is measured globally and nationally.

·         Analyze the core goals, targets, and indicators under SDG 10.

·         Evaluate India's initiatives and performance in reducing inequality.

·         Recognize the importance of inclusive growth and fair policies.

11.2 Meaning of Inequality

Inequality refers to the uneven distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities among individuals or groups within and across countries. It manifests in several forms:

·         Income inequality: The unequal distribution of earnings.

·         Wealth inequality: Disparities in ownership of assets and property.

·         Social inequality: Discrimination based on gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

·         Opportunity inequality: Limited access to education, healthcare, technology, or jobs.

·         Political inequality: Unequal participation in decision-making and governance.

Inequality often leads to social unrest, economic inefficiency, and weakened social cohesion. Hence, reducing inequality is essential for sustainable peace and prosperity.

11.3 Measures of Inequality

Several tools and indices are used to measure inequality:

1. Gini Coefficient:

·         Measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

·         A Gini index above 0.4 is considered high.

2. Palma Ratio:

·         Ratio of the income share of the top 10% to that of the bottom 40%.

3. Theil Index:

·         A statistical measure of economic inequality, sensitive to differences across population segments.

4. Human Development Index (HDI):

·         When adjusted for inequality (IHDI), it reflects losses due to inequality in education, health, and income.

5. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):

·         Captures deprivations in education, health, and living standards.

These tools help policymakers track inequality trends and plan effective interventions.

11.4 Goals of SDG 10

SDG 10 aims to:

·         Reduce income inequality by empowering the bottom 40% of the population.

·         Promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all people.

·         Ensure equal opportunity and reduce discriminatory practices.

·         Improve regulation of global financial markets and institutions.

·         Enhance the representation of developing countries in international decision-making.

·         Facilitate safe migration and promote the rights of migrants.

·         Implement special and differential trade treatment for developing countries.

·         Encourage development aid and financial assistance to the least developed countries (LDCs).

11.5 Targets of SDG 10

Some of the key targets under SDG 10 include:

1.      Income Growth of the Bottom 40%

o    Achieve sustained income growth of the poorest 40% at a rate higher than the national average.

2.      Social, Economic, and Political Inclusion

o    Empower marginalized populations regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, or other status.

3.      Eliminating Discriminatory Laws and Practices

o    Promote equal rights and non-discriminatory policies.

4.      Improved Regulation of Global Financial Systems

o    Enhance transparency and accountability in global institutions.

5.      Representation in Global Institutions

o    Strengthen the voice of developing countries in international governance.

6.      Facilitation of Migration

o    Ensure safe, orderly, and responsible migration and mobility of people.

7.      Official Development Assistance (ODA)

o    Provide targeted financial assistance to developing and least developed countries.

11.6 Indicators of SDG 10

Some global indicators to assess progress on SDG 10 include:

·         Gini coefficient of income distribution.

·         Proportion of population below 50% of median income.

·         Remittance costs as a percentage of total remittances.

·         Proportion of people who report being discriminated against based on a ground of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.

·         Share of voting rights of developing countries in international institutions.

India-Specific Indicators:

·         Gender gap in wages and labor participation.

·         Literacy rates among marginalized groups (SC/ST/OBC).

·         Caste- or religion-based gaps in access to higher education.

·         Access to digital resources in rural and urban areas.

India and SDG 10: Progress and Challenges

Progress:

·         Programs like Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) promote financial and digital inclusion.

·         Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) aim to uplift backward communities.

·         Ujjwala Yojana has improved access to clean energy for women from poor households.

·         Rise in internet access and mobile connectivity bridges the information divide.

Challenges:

·         Rural-urban divide persists in access to education, health, and employment.

·         Gender inequality remains high, especially in labor force participation.

·         Caste-based discrimination still exists in parts of society.

·         High regional disparities in development (e.g., BIMARU states lag behind others).

·         Disability rights and inclusion in the workforce remain under-addressed.

11.7 Let’s Sum Up

·         SDG 10 seeks to reduce inequalities in income and access to resources, services, and opportunities.

·         It promotes inclusive development through social, political, and economic empowerment.

·         Multiple tools and indices like the Gini coefficient and HDI are used to track inequality levels.

·         India has made notable progress, but challenges such as gender gaps, social exclusion, and regional disparities continue.

·         Achieving SDG 10 requires inclusive policymaking, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, and global cooperation for fair trade and migration policies.

 

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