2 Main Types of Economic Inequality

Ryerson University student Teja Peltomaa is pursuing a bachelor of social work. Passionate about helping others, Teja Peltomaa volunteers with Kids Help Phone and maintains an interest in social concerns, like economic inequality.

The unequal distribution of opportunity and income among different societal groups is termed economic inequality. Such inequality is found in nearly every country around the world. It is tied to the income level a person is born into, education, disability status, ethnic background, and other related factors. There are two main types of economic inequality: income and wealth.

Income inequality relates to how people get paid, either through employment or other means, like investments, state benefits, or savings. Income is measured on both a household and individual basis. It is calculated before taxes and includes different federal payments and other benefits. This type of economic inequality has risen in many countries during the past 10 years.

However, income does not account for the entirety of a person’s economic situation. Wealth inequality comes into play, as well. Wealth encompasses a person’s total assets, such as private pension rights, bonds, or property. Assets enable people to become wealthier without increasing their income; when they are unequally distributed within a society, this results in wealth inequality.

How to Improve at Active Listening

A student in Ryerson University's undergraduate social work program, Teja Peltomaa graduated from Appleby College in 2018. To prepare for a prospective career in social work, Teja Peltomaa has volunteered as a crisis text line responder with Kids Help Phone, where she practices active listening techniques.

Active listening involves making a conscious effort to remain engaged while another person speaks. To improve active listening skills, focus on giving the speaker your full attention. Non-verbal communication is powerful, so be sure to look directly at the speaker and put away your phone or other distractions. Rather than listening with the intent to respond, simply take in what is being said. Reflect the speaker’s words back to them using phrases such as “What I’m hearing is…” or clarify points with questions such as “What do you mean by…?” Intermittently summarize what you think the person is saying, without offering advice or judgment.

If you find yourself becoming reactive or emotional, try asking a question or requesting more information. When you respond, focus on understanding and respect. Treat the conversation as an opportunity to gain new information, rather than the chance to solve a problem or win an argument.

Kids Help Phone Volunteers Address

A student at Ryerson University in Toronto, Teja Peltomaa is working to complete a bachelor of social work. Committed to addressing issues of inequality and racism, Teja Peltomaa also engages in volunteer activities with Kids Help Phone, providing text-based counseling support.

Responding to situations of emotional crisis, volunteers with the Canadian nonprofit emphasize building trust and rapport through confidentiality and a non-judgmental attitude. Relating to those whom they help, volunteers provide thoughtful, non-scripted advice and support to people dealing with issues ranging from anxiety to relationship challenges.

One question and response explored on the Kids Help Phone website is “What do I need to do to be comfortable with who I am?” This question came from a girl who felt that she had no direction in what she should be doing with her life and that others’ expectations led her to feel that she was “hiding everything.” Not wanting to be an outcast, she could not find a ready way of conforming to what she perceived others wanted and felt peer pressure about outward attributes such as having short hair.

The counselor answered that it can often be confusing to find a balance between authenticity, or one’s real self, and what is socially accepted. With opinions on behaviors outside the perceived norm often being given without thought and creating unintentionally deep wounds, the counselor said the key is to find ways of expressing yourself in a way that feels right, and being okay if others don’t accept everything about you.

Kids Help Phone’s Trained Counselors

Ryerson University student Teja Peltomaa aspires to work with children and young adults as a social worker. To prepare for her prospective career, Teja Peltomaa volunteers as a crisis text line responder with Kids Help Phone.

A 24/7 national support service for people of all ages throughout Canada, Kids Help Phone offers skilled, compassionate support in both English and French. In addition to texting services from trained volunteers, Kids Help Phone invites people to speak with a professional counsellor who can provide resources, information, and support. At three centers around the country, counsellors assist callers with topics ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship challenges.

Possessing diverse educational backgrounds, the counsellors are trained on issues related to mental health and well-being and are themselves supported by a clinically experienced team of counselling managers. After listening and asking questions to learn about a caller’s situation, counsellors offer guidance in developing strategies and solutions to help individuals overcome challenges.