ajor issue in countries around the world, with some countries exhibiting higher levels of inequality than others. The causes of economic inequality are complex and varied, and include differences in access to education and opportunity, differences in income and wealth due to unequal employment opportunities, and differences in access to resources such as credit and capital. Economic inequality can have a detrimental effect on social cohesion and economic growth, as those who are more economically disadvantaged are more likely to lack access to basic services and opportunities, and are less likely to participate in the labor force. Thus, reducing economic inequality is an important policy goal for many countries.