Is inequality necessarily bad? The mental framework about inequality? Words of wisdom from my favorite Singaporean politician
By: Ahmadou Bello
Tags: Poverty Alleviation, Poverty, Justice, Singapore, Inequality

Photo by bloggingguide on Unsplash

I had the honor of being in Singapore for the past 6 years now and by far I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have had to witness and observe the the leaders of this country at work. For one before I elaborate further why, let me just disclaim that these people are in a league of their own. While the leaders are involved in this country are incredibly tough, conscientious and smart, I do also have an adulation for its loving critics. The following is a reflection that I made based on a forum between my favorite Singaporean politician and the country`s most respected diplomat. The main underlying theme during this conversation was that in the midst of prosperity, Singapore was also facing poverty and the challenge of inequality. To which the following remarks was made.

Inequality is important

Firstly inequality is important and it is critical what is really important is that a system is made where everyone is moving up. In other words, before we think about issue of relativities, which is what inequality is about, we have to think about the issue of how we can make sure that everyone moves up including those in the broad middle of our society- the middle class.

Social mobility is difficult but necessary

The second point highlighted was about social mobility itself to which it is claimed that this is part of the Singaporean identity and must be at the heart and soul of our ambition. Not only is social mobility difficult but that it is especially a difficult problem for Singapore precisely because they have succeeded in the past because in the past few years the entire population had waves of mobility from a population that largely started off poor and eventually ended being part of a country that had the highest gdp per capita.

Generational inequality can be a sign of prosperity

Lastly the point made about inequality is that it also has a good side to it and that is generational inequality. In other words, inequality may sometimes be a reflection of a country`s efforts to invest in its people. In fact Singapore has succeeded in transforming education and transforming opportunities for subsequent generations i.e those born later. And the resulting consequence being that those who started earlier with limited education by and large in simple jobs worked hard, their pay has gone up over time — in real terms — it is much better than in the old days. But they are now at the lower end of the escalator and subsequent generations have moved up.

What I really like was the analogy of inequality to that of an escalator.

What any country should aim for is to allow the escalator to move as a whole system and to allow people at the bottom to reach the top by making more space at the top. This is a challenge that any country faces but what I liked about Singapore is that they are cognizant of inequality and that efforts is made to not only prevent this escalator to be stuck but also making more room at the top by using technology, education and huge investments in providing equality of opportunity.

Courtesy Justin Chrn on Unsplash

While from my perspective, Singapore is really starting to adopt strategies to combat and adapt to inequality, I think this is a huge lesson for every developing as well as developed countries around the world.

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