Fair Start Movement India

Inequality is inherited. 1
Inequality is a welfare issue. Studies have documented examples of rising inequality decreasing child welfare. 2
Inequality affects kids for life. Unequal opportunities translate into unequal lifelong outcomes by the time children reach the age of five. 3
The impacts of inequality are more damaging the longer it is experienced. The longer a child is poor, the greater the risk of poverty in adulthood, and of experiencing lifelong health problems and involvement in the criminal justice system. 4
Inequality disproportionately affects children of color in the U.S. 5
Affluence plays a role too. The growing divide between low-income children and their peers reduces opportunities for low-income children throughout their lives. 6

Types of Inequality

Economic Inequality

Gender Inequality

Educational Inequality

Racial Inequality

Disparities have been created through histories of discrimination and opportunity denial, and they dissipate slowly.

- Population Studies Center and Survey Research Center

The child poverty rate for blacks and Hispanics is more than double the rate for whites and Asians. Higher unemployment rates and lower earnings contribute to the gap.

- National Geographic

How Inequality Hurts Kids

Inequality causes harmful and lasting consequences that can manifest as:

Physical trauma

Abuse and violence
Housing insecurity
Unsafe neighborhoods
Injury occurring from a lack of supervision

Health

Malnutrition and food insecurity
Obesity
Maternal mortality
Lack of basic medical care

Brain development

Ability to learn
Ability to regulate feelings and behavior
Emotional well-being and risk of depression

Source: Novak Djokovic Foundation

Lifelong Consequences From An Early Age

Unequal opportunities translate into unequal outcomes by the time children reach the age of five. - Project Syndicate

"Low family income can impede children’s cognitive development and their ability to learn. It can contribute to behavioral, social and emotional problems, and it can cause and exacerbate poor health as well. Research has consistently shown that ongoing exposure to economic stress and hardship harms child development: parents invest less in their kids and experience higher levels of stress. - PBS Frontline

We can disrupt the trend of rising inequality when everyone plans for a fair start. See what we’re doing to reduce inequality.

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Child Inequality Facts