Inequalities in Aotearoa

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

Describe the meaning of income inequality, its causes and impact.

Students will explore the concept of economic inequality in New Zealand, understand its impact on society, and discuss potential strategies to address it.

Inequality: Manarite-kore

Kupu matua - Keywords

Untitled presentation

Keywords Economic Inequalities

Mahi - Work

Class opinion:

Should the government give money to people who are not working, or should everyone have to earn their own income?

Economic Equality

Humans care about things being fair. If you don't believe me then imagine if a teacher let half the class go for break (and gave them chocolate) then kept the others in for no reason. You are one of those who have been kept in class. You would feel angry correct? You care about things being fair.

One of the ways that an economy may be unfair is the distrubution of wealth.

Do you think its fair that some people have more wealth than others? Why/Why not?
Do you think New Zealand has the same issues as described in this video?

In Aotearoa New Zealand

In our country we face a very similar problem. There are a small percentage of people who hold a large percentage of wealth. The reality is, if you are born into wealth you are more likely to have better opportunities than someone who is not born into wealth. At the moment, what we would call the 'middle class' is also struggling to pay for groceries and pay for a place to live.

Economic Opportunities

After starting to work more during World War II, women are still paid less than men. Pay inequality is even worse for minorities. In the U.S. Men and women of colour earn less than white men and women for the same job. For many men of colour, regular jobs often seem less appealing than illegal ones, leading to a struggle to avoid or survive prison. The U.S. imprisons more people than any other country, which shows how bad economic inequality is.

Economic opportunity is the provision of jobs, income, a sense of purpose, and chance to improve economic circumstances over time.

Why is this important to have?
Do you think NZ has equal economic opportunities?

Case Study: Mary

Mary Moeke describes herself as a middle-class Māori.

She earns a decent wage teaching early childhood education at the Manukau Institute of Technology. Moeke is highly educated and is currently studying for a PhD.

https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2018/05/a-tale-of-two-cities/

But she is struggling. Until recently, she was homeless. Moeke’s single income has to cover the costs of living for herself and three sons, aged 3, 6 and 8. She has very little; most of what is in her Housing New Zealand home is donated.

“Very scary, very alone. You feel very vulnerable especially being a single mother with young children under the age of 8 years old. Insecure and unsafe, that is how I would describe it.”

Moeke is part of what is being called the New Urban Crisis - the decline of the middle class. It’s a global phenomenon and Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is no exception.

How does Mary Moeke's homelessness challenge the idea that education and a job guarantee financial stability?
How could Mary Moeke's situation affect her three sons' well-being, education, and future?
How can government policies help or harm people like Mary in costly cities like Auckland?
How important is community support for people and families facing challenges like Mary Moeke's?