Social Inequality in Moldova and Its Impact on Development

Abstract

Social inequality is a phenomenon characteristic of all societies, regardless of their degree of development, because wealth and income are not and cannot be equally distributed among the members of these societies. Inequality is a natural social phenomenon of human existence that must be fought only if it does not contradict the principles of social justice in society. Social inequality can also be a consequence of the manifestation of different forms of discrimination. In recent years, against the backdrop of the economic growth trends recorded by the Republic of Moldova, an improvement in the quality of life has been observed. This is manifested both by the increase in the population's disposable income and wages, as well as by the increase in the population's standard of living. However, both inequality and inequity persist in income distribution. This remains, for now, an unsolved problem that risks turning into a characteristic feature of the economic development model of the Republic of Moldova. The contemporary perspectives of economic development in the Republic of Moldova generate a series of social inequalities that implicitly lead to the inhibition of sustainable development in the country. The analysis of inequalities, the highlighting of the sources of inequality, as well as the ways to overcome them represent the basic purpose of this article. UDC: [364.144+330.35](478); JEL: I30.