Inequality Undermines Democracy

Democracy can be greatly impacted by inequality, and in many circumstances, it can even be undermined from within. Inequality can threaten democracy in a number of ways, as seen below:

Unequal representation

Wealth and economic disparities can result in unfair representation in the legislative branch. Campaign contributions, lobbying, and other methods of political influence are frequently available to those with more financial resources, placing others without such resources at a disadvantage.

Example

In the United States, affluent people and companies can influence political campaigns and obtain access to elected officials via their financial means, depriving those without such resources of adequate representation.

Limited political participation

With marginalized groups frequently having fewer access to voting, education, and other tools that can help them engage in the political process, inequality can also have a negative impact on political involvement. Some groups may become marginalized as a result, which is contrary to democratic ideals.

Example

Marginalized groups, such as those with low incomes and members of ethnic minorities, may encounter voting obstacles in many nations, such as voter ID laws or limitations on early voting, which may hinder their capacity to fully engage in the democratic process.

Lack of trust in government

People may believe that the government is unresponsive to their demands when inequality is high, which can undermine public confidence in the institution. Low voter participation, increased apathy, and a general feeling of disenchantment with the political system are just a few examples of how this can appear.

Example

A high level of corruption and economic inequality in Brazil has caused a general lack of trust in the government among the population, which has in turn fueled political polarization and a feeling of disengagement from politics.

Economic power imbalances

Economic power imbalances brought about by inequality have the potential to threaten democracy. Rich people and businesses have the ability to sway political outcomes in their favor by economic means, which can result in laws that only benefit a small portion of society.

Example

Large corporations frequently exert significant political sway in India, and some of these corporations receive preferential treatment from the government in the form of subsidies, tax breaks, and other benefits, while smaller companies and ordinary citizens may not have the same access to these benefits.

Polarization

Finally, political polarisation, which can hinder a democracy’s ability to function, can be exacerbated by inequality. Groups may adopt more extreme positions when they believe their interests are not being adequately represented, which can increase political polarization and divisiveness.

Example

In Hungary, the government’s several attempts to curtail the media’s and the judiciary’s independence, as well as its efforts to marginalize minority groups, have exacerbated polarization and weakened democratic institutions; some analysts have even raised the alarm about the country’s slide into authoritarianism.

Democracy is a form of government where the people, or their elected representatives, are in charge. It is founded on the ideas of political equality, the use of the majority, and the defense of personal freedoms. The unequal distribution of assets, opportunities, and advantages among people or groups within a society is referred to as inequality. Wealth, income, a good education, access to healthcare, a place to live, and a job are a few examples of these resources.