According to the World Bank, Colombia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world, the second highest among 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the highest among all OECD countries.

Let’s talk about inequality:

In essence, inequality signifies an imbalanced allocation of resources, opportunities, and advantages within a society or among its members. It encompasses disparities in income and wealth, where certain individuals or groups possess considerably greater financial assets than others. This pervasive inequality extends its reach into areas such as education and healthcare accessibility.

The term "inequality" differs significantly from the concept of poverty. Inequality pertains to the disparity between the affluent and the underprivileged. Interestingly, the more unequal a country is, the greater the concentration of wealth among its wealthiest individuals. I understand this may seem perplexing, so let me provide a clearer explanation.

Let's use India as an example, showcasing one of the world's most unequal countries, where poverty levels remain alarmingly high. However, India is also home to one of the wealthiest families globally, the billionaire Ambanis.

The scale of inequality is so staggering that this Mumbai-based family resides in a 27-story skyscraper boasting 168 car garages, a lavish ballroom, nine high-speed elevators, a private theater, a swimming pool, a spa, a temple, and more. Yes, you read that correctly, a whole building exclusively for one family!

Now let's go back to Colombia!

The Inequality in Colombia is the most persistent across generations. Longstanding inequality across regions overlaps with the large gaps in welfare between Afro-descendants and indigenous Colombians and the rest of the population.

Arahuac Community. Sierra Nevada de Santa Martha, Colombia

UNDERSTANDING INEQUALITY IN COLOMBIA

I'd like to address this topic from a personal perspective as a Colombian.

Let me introduce myself:

I was born and raised in Bogota in the 80’s to two Colombian parents. My maternal ancestors hail from Spain, specifically from a town named Toloza, while my paternal ones traces back to the Muisca people, the largest indigenous group in the Capital region, what we call ”La sabana de Bogotá”.

Despite this diverse heritage, I exhibit a mixed appearance that has led many to mistakenly identify me as Asian due to my almond-shaped eyes. Surprisingly, I must admit that I hadn't been conscious of this aspect of my identity, mainly because discussions around such matters aren't as prevalent in Colombia as they are in countries like the United States.

That being said, I've witnessed the stark inequality and disparity within my country, something that I considered normal until the age of 20 when I traveled to Europe to pursue my studies. It was during this time abroad that I came to the realization that what I had considered normal in my society was, in fact, far from it.

This sounds stupid, but I did think that all the countries had the 7 social classes that Colombia had…

A Muisca raft (1200-1500 CE) piece. Representation of the initiation of the new ZIPA

Enough about me… let’s continue…

Now, to understand inequality in Colombia and its link to social classes, it's important to know that it's shaped by historical events, economic factors, and political decisions:

Historical Legacy: Colombia's colonial history and the enduring impacts of slavery have contributed to disparities in wealth, education, and access to resources. But most of all, the miss-distribution of land that has had terrible consequences until today. The Indigenous people in pre-Hispanic Colombia viewed land differently, for them it was essential for life and not privately owned. European conquerors introduced private land ownership, taking Indigenous lands and creating a new landowning class. Initially, leaders of the conquest, their lieutenants, and soldiers benefited.
This "hacienda" system was based on class and racism, where white Europeans had social privileges, while Mestizos, Indigenous people, and enslaved Black people were systematically excluded from power in the dominant system.
According to Oxfam, Colombia's land inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, is one of the world's highest at 0.88. This statistic underscores the enduring impact of land inequality in Colombia.

Hacienda Casa Blanca, from the time of the Spaniards.

Economic Inequities: Colombia's economic terrain paints a stark picture of income inequality, with a select elite holding sway over a substantial share of the nation's wealth. This concentration of economic power is embodied in a handful of influential families and individuals, often dubbed "economic elites" or "economic oligarchs."
In particular, five prominent families wield significant control and influence across pivotal sectors such as banking, agriculture, mining, media, and manufacturing. These economic powerhouses play a defining role in shaping Colombia's economic landscape, underlining the nation's ongoing struggle with wealth disparity.

Geographic Divide: In Colombia, some areas are much richer than others. The wealth is mostly in five big cities: Bogota, Medellin, Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena. This leaves many rural and less privileged regions with less access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Political Influence: Political power and corruption often perpetuate inequality, as the interests of the privileged are prioritized over those of the marginalized. According to the Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Colombia has a score of 39 on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
While I hold a deep love for Colombia, the prevalence of cheating is a source of immense frustration. I have witnessed first hand how cheating became something normal, a trend that often starts as early as school. During my secondary school years, cheating in exams was widespread, and it was seemingly accepted. My classmates employed a variety of creative strategies for cheating, but I chose not to participate. I was raised within a religious minority, and from an early age, I was taught that cheating was ethically wrong.
As people progress in life, this culture of cheating can extend to university, relationships, and even their professional careers. When I had my nonprofit, I often encountered the belief that avoiding corruption was naive. This mindset prevails under the assumption that cheating is commonplace and, therefore, not a matter of significant concern.

Armed Conflict: For over six decades, Colombia endured a protracted and devastating armed conflict, a relentless struggle that ended in 2016 with the signing of the Peace Agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This prolonged conflict bore witness to profound and far-reaching consequences, most acutely felt by vulnerable communities.
The impact of this conflict has left many regions in Colombia impoverished, inaccessible, and severely underdeveloped. In these areas, essential infrastructure, healthcare, and education services are scarce, making access to them a constant challenge for the local population.

The FARC. Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia

The profound disparities in the country, as explained earlier, have resulted in a highly stratified society with seven distinct social classes. A very interesting case to analyze.

THE 8 SOCIAL CLASSES IN COLOMBIA: THE LAYERS OF INEQUALITY

Social classes correspond to the way households are classified based on various criteria that do not rely on an individual's or family's income only. They are determined by the conditions of the dwelling in which the family resides and the surroundings or area in which that dwelling is located.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Social class 1, 2, and 3 correspond to individuals with lower economic means, who are beneficiaries of subsidies in public utility services. Social class 5 and 6, on the other hand, represent higher-income groups, who are required to pay surcharges (contributions) on the cost of public utility services. Social class 4 neither receives subsidies nor incurs surcharges; they pay exactly the amount defined by the service provider as the cost of service provision.

Social class 0 (Rural and Informal Sector): While not often counted among the official seven social classes, Estrato 0 encompasses individuals living in rural areas and those engaged in informal, subsistence-based activities. They face unique challenges, including limited access to basic services (electricity, water supply) and economic opportunities. Most of the slums are this social class, some of them do not even have political representation and the police is not allowed inside.
Social class 1 and 2: People that often struggle to make ends meet, living in substandard housing and facing limited access to quality education and healthcare. Poverty is a harsh reality for many in these classes. They still have reduced access to essential services.
Social Class 3: Considered middle class in Colombia, they enjoy better living conditions, improved access to education, and a more stable economic situation. However, they still grapple with income inequality and social disparities.
Social Class 4: This class represents a comfortable middle-class segment with more financial stability, access to quality services, and educational opportunities. They often occupy professional roles and live in relatively secure environments.
Social class 5: They experience greater affluence and privilege. They typically have access to high-quality education, healthcare, and housing. Many of them hold significant positions in the corporate world or government.
Social class 6: Characterized by substantial wealth, elite education, and access to exclusive services. This class includes Colombia's economic and political elite, holding significant power and influence.
Social class 7: It does not exist formally as a socioeconomic group. This class includes Colombia's richest people, politicians, and members of the families that control the Colombian economy.

Unfortunately, it's not a common occurrence for individuals from higher social classes to interact with those from lower social classes. My first exposure to a social class 1 neighborhood occurred during my childhood when my parents took me to visit a nonprofit organization in the southern part of Bogota, a location situated an hour and a half away from our home. I was profoundly taken aback, as I had never encountered this level of poverty before.

One crucial aspect to consider is that in cities like Bogota, social classes often align geographically. To clarify, the further south you go, the greater the prevalence of poverty, while the northern areas tend to be more affluent. This geographical division means that many Colombians may never venture to the opposite side of the city due to its distance and reputation for being unsafe. Sadly, a privileged Colombian often finds more in common with a European than with a less fortunate compatriot.

Thank you for reading!

Natalia Cortes. Bogotá, Colombia. August 2022.

THE 8 SOCIAL CLASSES IN COLOMBIA

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