Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1246053
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 MAY 2020 OPINION SOCIAL disparity occurs when resources and wealth are distributed unevenly. This can be also described as social inequali- ty and is usually triggered through social stratification, or social classes. Social disparity isn't only a local phe- nomenon, it is experienced by societies around the world. This doesn't limit itself to social strat- ification but it is more manifested in certain areas thus creating a social di- vide. In the UK for example, the underprivi- leged area in London was the docklands. In Italy one can compare the wealthy north to the poorer south. Social disparity isn't limited to the so- cioeconomic status of a person but it is more complex than that. Inequality stems through various ways, gender, religion, race, environment, sexual ori- entation. It is up to society and governments to trim this unevenness. In a typical sce- nario no one should be left behind, or rather, left to fall by the wayside. Statistics show that there is also social disparity in Malta. Despite the country being a small island, there is somewhat of a north/south divide. Social mobility contributed to this. History shows that the harbour region was the most inhabited region as it was the main source of income to families in the past. Since travelling was limited and oth- er localities were scarcely and sparsely developed, this area was densely popu- lated and since the inner harbour was built within bastions and fortifications, mobility was limited until the outbreak of the Second World War and the intro- duction of industrialisation. The advent of industrialisation gave new job opportunities. Given this sce- nario new localities developed at a fast- er rate, leaving the inner harbour region at a state where it was the 'sick man' of Malta. Nowadays social disparity is wide- spread and not limited to a certain area only, even though some may think that the north is socio-economically better than the south. Secondly here in Malta we have an aging population more than elsewhere. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and everyone should en- joy the right to a decent life. When former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat used to boast that the Gov- ernment lead by him strengthened the middle class, I used to worry. Not because the middle class doesn't have a right to a decent life, but because the socio-economic gap between the middle class and so-called lower class grew wider and social inequality in- creased. One can argue that the middle class shouldn't be kept back to sustain the lower class and I agree. What can be done is invest in, and make measures to increase the lower-class expectations to become at par with those of the middle class. The Labour Government, with its so called socialist beliefs, is pro-business. It boasts of having a surplus. But this surplus isn't trickling down to the com- mon people. Wealth is being distributed unevenly thus creating social disparity. What should be done to counter social disparity? Inject investment equally in different areas, share wealth, educate people, legislate in such a way that no one feels discriminated against. Throughout the years most of this was addressed but, as one can see, more and even more has to be done. What should be done is create an envi- ronment where the underprivileged, or those at the lowest ebb of society, don't live beyond their means thus creating and compounding problems. Had this been the case, modern Malta wouldn't experience poverty, social ex- clusion and the need for more and more social accommodation. These are all the effects of social disparity. I will strive and work harder to see that everyone lives a decent life and that no one feels humiliated or suffers unnecessarily. I always stress the point that politics exists to create a happy environment for the people. A happy environment is created when everyone feels that they are being treat- ed equally and in a humane way. This is my promise to you all. Ivan Bartolo Social disparity and its effects Ivan Bartolo is a Member of Parliament for the Nationalist Party One can argue that the middle class shouldn't be kept back to sustain the lower class and I agree. What can be done is invest in, and make measures to increase the lower- class expectations to become at par with those of the middle class