Social inequality and sustainable development in Africa

Abstract

This study explored the implications of social inequality on sustainable development in Africa. With uneven distribution of factor and production relation, power and wealth, nations form alliances for mutual advancement. Contrarily, associational ties between countries bearing unequivocal belief, power and wealth have not significantly translated into equal rewards. Vested interest distorts effective resources exploration, diversification and distributions of benefits. Partial alienation and multiple exploitation  result to suspicion, hostility and distrust among nations. Although this constitutes a major problem in Africa, few researches have explored the effects of social inequality on development. Thus, this study investigated the implications of social inequality on sustainable development in Africa. Explanations of core variables anchored on functionalist and world system theory. Among Sapele 95, Amukpe 90, Elume 85, Ozue 78 and Ugboren 77 respondents, data was generated with the use of questionnaires, focused group discussions, In-depth and key informant interview. Cross tabulations and Chi-Square was used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was content analyzed. Total of (93%) respondents reported that unequal distribution of power and skills place Africans on a disadvantaged position. As a dependent nation, they constitute the “follow, follow†and “copy, copy†allies. (94%)  participants and (x2=29.09; P<0.05) coefficient relates that unequal socio-political and economic power subjects Africans to undue exploitation and consumption of ‘secondhand’ products. These are partly responsible for the disjointed development in Africa. Africa is a destination point for discarded, fairly used and harmful products. As alliance consumers, sustainable development is utopian. Restructuring and overhauling internal institutions while aligning with countries of genuine interest will produce mutual advancement.