Globalization and income inequality: a critical examination of the major economic and political challenges

Abstract

In this paper an attempt was made to present the nature of contemporary globalization and its impact on the income inequalities both between-countries and within selected countries. The analysed statistical data confirm the fact that progressing globalization creates new forms of inequality. Globalization does not benefit everyone. Some countries and social classes (groups of people) are more affected by that process and only a few are less affected. However due to the positive influence of globalization on high-growth rates in emerging countries that process has brought about a visible reduction of between-country inequality. Alas, the inequality dynamics in many countries has increased, where the richest people own much of the wealth and poor and middle-class people are becoming poorer. The rising concentration of wealth will only accelerate the inequality crisis and bring about the slow-down of economic growth with all its negative consequences.