Dixya Poudel

In schools and colleges, students can learn about various revolutions that have occurred throughout the world history. And most of these revolutions started due to the strife originated through socioeconomic differences and discriminations. The history of human civilisation has often seen a tussle between haves and have-nots. Haves are the wealthy and privileged members of societies while have-nots are those on the lower rungs of the socioeconomic strata. Wealth is certainly a sign of privilege which determines class, influence, position and fame.

Even though wealth isn’t the source of true happiness, it is considered the closest substitute to happiness. The rich have a certain quality about them that comes with all the advantages, perks and benefits that can be associated with money, power and renown. As of today, coronavirus has spread globally causing infections by the millions. Those who are racially, economically and socially segregated have been more vulnerable to the virus. Likewise, the current crisis caused by coronavirus has increased the gulf between the poor and the rich even more.

The wealthy can afford to build immunity with diet and nutrition and can access provisions that keep them safe from hazardous circumstances. They don’t have to be overly concerned about putting foods on the table and can afford the luxury of staying and working from home. The wealthy can further afford daily necessities without worries for their future. They don't have to worry about house rents, piling grocery bills and the fact that their savings are running out fast. They can afford to not just live comfortably but also to cocoon themselves from the hardships faced by the underprivileged.

During the pandemic, the privileged could enrol their children on online education while the underprivileged children were left behind educationally. The situations are thus direr for the disadvantaged. Further, lower income workers worldwide have been relegated to scramble for low pay employment as their lives have turned for the worst. Closer to home in Nepal, economically struggling labourers have suffered drastically amid pandemic fears, unemployment and a lack of security for future sustenance during the past two years. How will this fare in the coming days and what will its long-term impact be in the socioeconomic sectors?

Economic disparity has always plagued human civilisation. Those with power and wealth rule. Those with position and influence govern and in doing so create a gulf between the different socioeconomic strata. What can be done to bridge the gap? Is egalitarian society possible in today's world? It might not be possible to completely bridge the gap but it doesn’t mean that it is entirely hopeless as well. After basic human rights for survival come the rights to education and economic opportunities which are the best ways to empower a person. With education comes knowledge and skill that in turn builds a person's position in society enabling them to contribute to their communities.

Certainly these days, the differences between the haves and the have-nots have seen the stark light of the day. Those with resources that come with wealth are better prepared to face the dark days ahead as the post-COVID world sees an uncertainty in the global economy. These are catastrophic times. And tragically the economic disparity has never been more blatant.