In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to influence the decisions taken by the government. The report highlighted that: If an average Black family earns $ 100 then the income of average White family is $ 162. A White family has twelve times more wealth than the average Black family. In a President’s election ‘nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in families with income over $ 75,000 have voted. These people are the top 20% of the population in terms of their income. On the other hand only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $ 15,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population in terms of their income. About 95% contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them opportunity to express their opinions and concerns, which is not available to most citizens. As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does not listen to their concerns − coming out of poverty, getting job, education, health, car and housing for them. Politicians hear most regularly about the concerns of business persons and the rich. Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.
Answers
Democracy and Poverty:
In the report of 2004, USA published that there is huge difference in income among the people. This reduces the participation of the people in governing activities. The decision made by the rich people are taken seriously and this becomes big disadvantage for the poor people.
The poor people work more time than humans are supposed to do. But they never meet the needs. They fight hunger everyday so they don't have time to take care of their health. This makes the life of the poor people more miserable.
The decision made by the representatives (rich people) is favourable to rich people but not to the poor people. This makes the poor people to pay more taxes. The people below the poverty line should become representatives and they should talk about the problems while the decision is made.