Key Findings on Social, Economic, and Political Inequality
According to the International Management Development (IMD) report, Mexico stands out for its inequality in education and medical care (third position), social inequality (fourth place), unequal opportunities (ninth place), and political polarization (tenth place). The report, part of the IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, analyzes 69 global economies.
Social Inequality
Mexico, along with Romania (18.3%), South Korea (19.2%), and Hungary (20.6%), shows low percentages in social division, indicating that cultural or ethnic divisions are not perceived as the primary source of social fragmentation by elites.
Educational and Healthcare Inequality
Countries with the highest concerns about educational and healthcare disparities include Chile (62.5%), Peru (60.2%), Mexico (57.3%), Venezuela (55.9%), Namibia (54.5%), the Philippines (49.5%), Turkey (48%), Brazil (44.7%), Mongolia (43.5%), and Colombia (42.7%). These high percentages are concentrated in Latin America, highlighting how infrastructure gaps exacerbate inequalities in the region.
Social Inequality in Advanced Economies
Despite being a middle-income country, Mexico’s social inequality (70.8%) is significant, along with Australia (73.9%), Chile (70.8%), Namibia (69.7%), Peru (69.3%), Sudáfrica (67.8%), New Zealand (67.5%), and China (66.7%). This indicates that social inequality is a global concern, affecting both developing and developed nations.
Political Polarization
Mexico ranks tenth in political polarization (84.4%), with Brazil (93.9%), Spain (92.5%), Slovakia (88.6%), and Taiwan (89.6%) showing the highest concerns. This suggests a growing ideological divide and increasing hostility among political groups, eroding trust in democratic institutions.
Perceived Lack of Economic Opportunities
The IMD report does not specifically address Mexico’s concerns about a lack of economic opportunities. However, Sudan (74.6%), China (68.1%), Indonesia (66.1%), and Turkey (66%) show high levels of frustration due to the absence of inclusive growth.
Conclusion
The IMD findings reveal that social, economic, and political inequalities are significant global challenges. Latin American countries, including Mexico, face severe political fragmentation, while advanced economies grapple with social inequality. Addressing these issues requires robust public service systems, inclusive growth strategies, and strengthened democratic institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Mexico ranks high in social, economic, and political inequality according to the IMD report.
- Latin American countries, including Mexico, face severe political fragmentation.
- Social inequality is a global concern affecting both developing and developed nations.
- Addressing these challenges requires robust public service systems, inclusive growth strategies, and strengthened democratic institutions.
