Lalit Kumar
Abstract:
This study examines the intricate relationship between economic inequality, unemployment, and social mobility across nations, highlighting how disparities in income, wealth, and opportunities intersect with labor market challenges to shape individuals’ life chances. Economic inequality manifests through uneven access to resources, while unemployment restricts livelihoods, both of which significantly hinder upward mobility and reinforce intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. The research draws on comparative global trends, theoretical perspectives, and empirical evidence to analyze how structural factors such as education, cultural norms, technological change, and regional disparities contribute to persistent inequalities. Case studies from both developed and developing countries illustrate how some nations achieve higher levels of mobility through redistributive policies and inclusive labor markets, while others remain trapped in inequality-driven stagnation. By emphasizing the policy implications for inclusive growth, welfare systems, and sustainable development, the study underscores the urgent need to address these challenges to build more equitable and socially mobile societies.
