Widening Gap between the Rich and the Poor

These days we often hear about the widening gap between the rich and the poor. In my opinion, though it is a inevitable phenomenon in the process of reform, the ever growing contrast between the rich and the poor in China may give rise to lots of problems.

First of all, it may contribute to social instability. The Confucius once said, "A nation is not troubled by poverty, but by disparity." Unfairness in distribution of wealth puts the society at stake. Disappointed with their poor life, the disadvantaged have no hope in their future and take a hostile attitude towards the advantaged. The some of them take risks and commit various crimes, resulting in high crime rate and social unrest.

Secondly, the rich-poor disparity may lead to inequality of opportunities, such as education, training, employment, recreation etc. The poor cannot afford soaring education expenses, while the kids of the rich can study in schools with good teachers and facilities. Inequality in education results in difference in career development, which in turn worsens the situation--the rich richer and poor poorer.

All in all, it is high time that our government took effective measures to improve the situation. Education is the best cure for poverty. The government should make more investment to ensure equal chances of education. We should create more job opportunities for urban residents and accelerate development in poor regions to narrow the rich-poor division so that all people can enjoy the benefits of our economic reform.