Fight inequality

Inequality is the unequal and unfair distribution of resources, opportunities, and power that shapes the quality of all of our lives.

There are many different forms of inequality (economic, gender, race, class, health, sexuality, and more). When put together (intersecting), they can result in people experiencing greater levels of inequality.

Learn about wealth inequality

• We’re seeing extreme wealth go through the roof. Billionaires like to call themselves "self-made". Spoiler alert: 60% of their wealth actually comes from family inheritance, monopolies, and cronyism. They're not makers – they’re takers, cashing special favours from powerful pals, crushing competition and inheriting massive fortunes.
• This system has been rigged for centuries, and colonialism played a huge role. People think colonialism – one of the world’s biggest heists, stealing land, resources, and people – is a thing of the past. But here’s the truth: the 1% made a fortune then, and they’re still cashing in today.
• Modern colonialism might look different, but the game is the same. The rigged rules and uneven playing field set up then to benefit the few, persist today. And it’s the rest of us – countries and individuals – who are paying the price. In 2023, the Global North drained $921 billion from the Global South, four times what was spent on aid.

Every year we report on growing inequality whilst the World Economic Forum is meeting in Davos. Want to know what this meeting is all about?

Yes. The richest 1% are responsible for as much pollution as two-thirds of the world combined. They have the resources to shield themselves from the worst of it, while the poorest – who’ve done the least damage – are getting the worst of it: floods, droughts, rising seas.

Oxfam works to tackle inequality because inequality makes poverty worse. Inequality undermines the fight against poverty in the UK and around the world.

We’ve been seeing this for decades through our work in communities and in our research. What we are living through today is more than a cost-of-living crisis, it’s an inequality crisis, and it’s deepening poverty worldwide.

Governments can make choices that prevent inequality. They can make choices that mean people can live safe from hardship. Instead, governments worldwide are making choices designed to protect the power and wealth of a privileged few, while removing the power of everyday people.

By failing to listen, failing to provide opportunities, and failing to invest in vital support systems (like child and adult care services, social protection and benefits, and international aid, etc.) they are rigging the system in favour of the rich.

These choices are taking away people’s right to survive, let alone opportunities to thrive. Let’s reclaim our collective power and hold decision makers to account. Let's push governments to make better choices. So that those who profit the most, who can afford it the most, foot the bill for a fairer and more equal world. One that benefits everyone.

We don’t have to accept a system that puts billionaire wealth over people and the planet. There’s a better way, one that values fairness, sustainability, and equality.

We need to start taxing the super-rich. Greater taxation is not the only answer to the inequality crisis, but it is a fundamental part of it. It's time for governments to shake off decades of failed ideology, and rich elite influence. It's time for them to do the right thing: tax the super-rich more.

The revenues raised from a new wave of progressive taxes could be used to build a fairer, more equal and sustainable future for us all.

Oxfam is calling for every country to implement a mix of taxes that would ensure the richest 1% pay significantly higher tax rates.