Piggy

Who let the Gini out of the Piggy?

As I grow older, I find myself feeling more undeserving of my comfortable upbringing. Perhaps its the travels to developing countries that I relish so much, or perhaps its just cynicism that comes with age. Not that I despise my upbringing and yet I constantly find the need to remind myself that inequality will always exist. Alas, a prick on the conscience is nevertheless just a prick, no more, no less.

Inequality will always exist, and it seems to be widening in Singapore. The Gini Coefficient (a measure of income inequality) for Singapore has been increasing in spite of it being somewhat statistically suppressed by hand-outs such as progress packages etc. Recent articles in the papers have reported a rise in conspicuous spending and indirect reports on inflation. The lower income groups are always the least inflation insulated. Rising commodities prices across the globe has also led to the rising cost of daily necessities. Although this has not resulted in stampedes at Carrefour, like in China, it is worrying. Yet the discussion of late has revolved around religion (vis-a-vis homosexuality), racial harmony and secularism, ideals that we claim are fundamental to the maintenance of the social fabric of Singapore. All fine and good, but inequality must not be ignored. Lest we forget how materialistic a bunch of people we are, with our 5Cs and all; envy and a false sense of competitiveness will aggravate any feelings of inequality. Compounding this problem is the upcoming IR and marina lifestyle for the rich that we are trying to create. Perhaps wealth or its unequal distribution will succeed, where race and religion have thus far failed, in destroying our social fabric. Such is the power of wealth.