The Globalization of Inequality and the Structural Construction of Vulnerability to 21st Century Risks

Abstract

This reflective essay seeks to contribute to the discussion on inequality under the premise that it is necessary to articulate the theoretical foundations to define it and allow a more comprehensive empirical approach. Thus, what is proposed here, is an articulation of approaches to inequality such as the one derived from the theory of social classes, in which inequality is explained within the logic of exploitation, with the approach of persistent inequality, centered on the hoarding of opportunities for accumulation, and thirdly, with the approach of the risk society,  but clarifying that this society is not different from the class society, but on the contrary, the inequality characteristic of this class society, by multiplying the levels of inequality, has led to greater exposure and vulnerability to the risks of the 21st century, such as pandemics and climate change.