Disparity: Global Scenario

Despite an apparent increase in global growth and steadily increasing per capita income, the gap both within and between rich and poor countries is widening.

Share of Global income over time

Year

Richest 20%

Poorest 20%

Ration of rich/poor

1960

70.2

2.3

30:1

1970

73.9

2.3

32:1

1980

76.3

1.7

45:1

1989

82.7

1.4

59:1

1997

90.0

1.0

74:1

  • In 1960 the richest fifth of the world’s population received 70% of global income compared to 2.3% for the world’s poorest 20%.  By 1989 the richest 20% had increased their share to 82.7% while the bottom fifth’s share of global income shrank from 2.3% to 1.4%.
  • In Brazil the richest 20% earn 28 times as much as the poorest 20%.  In the U.S. from 1977-89 the average real income of the top 1% increased by 78% while the poorest 20% of the population saw their income decrease by 10.4%.

 

Source: Contemporary Economic Challenges and Islam, Khurshid Ahmed. Republished with permission.


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