Global Issues: Poverty, Inequality & Migration
Why are some countries rich and others poor? Why do people leave their homes? And what can be done about it?
Wealth Inequality: A World Out of Balance
The world's wealth is distributed incredibly unevenly. The gap between the richest and poorest people has grown dramatically over the past century.
Global Wealth at a Glance
Wealthiest Countries (GDP per capita)
- Luxembourg
- Singapore
- Ireland
- Norway
- Switzerland
Australia ranks in the top 15 globally.
Poorest Countries (GDP per capita)
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Central African Republic
- Malawi
- Mozambique
Many face ongoing conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited resources.
Why does this gap exist? Causes include colonial history (exploitation of resources), unequal trade agreements, corruption, conflict, geography, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Why People Migrate: Push and Pull Factors
Migration is the movement of people from one place to another. People migrate for many reasons, which can be grouped into "push" factors (reasons to leave) and "pull" factors (reasons to go somewhere new).
Push Factors (reasons to leave)
- → War and conflict
- → Persecution (religious, political, ethnic)
- → Poverty and unemployment
- → Natural disasters and climate change
- → Lack of education or healthcare
- → Famine and food insecurity
Pull Factors (reasons to go)
- → Safety and stability
- → Better job opportunities
- → Freedom and democracy
- → Quality education and healthcare
- → Family reunification
- → Better quality of life
Definitions Matter: Refugee, Migrant, or Asylum Seeker?
These terms are often confused or used interchangeably in the media, but they have very different legal meanings.
Refugee
A person who has been forced to flee their country because of war, persecution, or violence. Refugees have a legal right to protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. They cannot safely return home.
Example: A family fleeing civil war in Syria who have been granted refugee status by the UNHCR.
Asylum Seeker
A person who has applied for protection in another country but whose claim has not yet been decided. Seeking asylum is a legal right -- it is not illegal. Not all asylum seekers will be granted refugee status.
Example: A person from Afghanistan who arrives in Australia and applies for protection, waiting for their case to be assessed.
Migrant
A person who chooses to move to another country, usually for economic reasons, education, or family. Unlike refugees, migrants are not fleeing danger and can usually return home safely.
Example: A software engineer who moves from India to Australia for a better job opportunity.
Australia's Role
Foreign Aid
Australia provides foreign aid to countries in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and beyond. This includes funding for education, health, disaster relief, and infrastructure.
Australia spends approximately 0.21% of its Gross National Income on foreign aid. The UN target is 0.7%. This is a common point of debate.
Refugee Policy
Australia accepts around 13,750 refugees per year through its humanitarian program. However, Australia's offshore processing policies have been controversial and criticised by human rights organisations.
Since World War II, Australia has resettled over 900,000 refugees, making it one of the top resettlement countries per capita.
What Can We Do?
Fair Trade
Buy fair trade products (chocolate, coffee, clothing) that ensure workers in developing countries are paid fairly.
Ethical Consumption
Research where your clothes and electronics come from. Support companies with ethical supply chains.
Volunteering
Volunteer with local organisations that support refugees, donate to reputable charities, or fundraise at school.
IB Thinking Question
"To what extent should wealthy countries help poorer ones?"
Consider both sides:
Arguments FOR more help:
- • Wealthy nations have a moral obligation
- • Many poor countries were exploited during colonialism
- • Reducing poverty benefits everyone (less conflict, more trade)
- • It's consistent with human rights principles
Arguments AGAINST more help:
- • Countries should help their own citizens first
- • Aid can create dependency rather than self-sufficiency
- • Corruption can prevent aid from reaching those in need
- • Trade and investment may be more effective than aid
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of global issues.
Question 1
What is the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
Question 2
Which of these is a push factor for migration?
Question 3
According to the statistics, the poorest 50% of the world's population owns approximately what percentage of global wealth?
Question 4
An asylum seeker is someone who:
Question 5
Which of these actions best supports ethical consumption?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Wealth inequality is extreme: the richest 1% own 46% of global wealth.
- ●People migrate due to push factors (war, poverty) and pull factors (safety, opportunity).
- ●Refugees are forced to flee; migrants choose to move; asylum seekers are waiting for their claim to be decided.
- ●Australia plays a role through foreign aid and refugee resettlement, though policies are debated.
- ●We can help through fair trade, ethical consumption, and volunteering.