Tag Archives: inequality

Exploring Inequality: How Mathematical “Equality” Literature Can Transform the Real World

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Numbers enable us to focus in detail on one aspect of a situation, but we can overlook complexities

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Eugenia Chen (Profile book (UK, for sale) Basic Books (We, September 2nd)

Are things equal or aren’t they? At least mathematically, that’s a question worth considering. Eugenia Chen argues in her new book, Inequality: With mathematics and tactics when things are done. In maths, as in life, some aspects have more weight than others.

Consider this: the equation 180 = 180 reveals nothing, yet x + y + z = 180°, where x, y, and z are the angles of a triangle, conveys a deeper insight. This statement holds true only under specific circumstances—yes, but not on the surface of a sphere.

Chen aims to investigate how mathematics identifies things as “equal.” Her methodology blends playfulness with the gravity of abstract concepts, linking them to diverse topics such as knitting and creating Battenberg cakes. She isn’t shy about tackling significant political and rights-related questions surrounding equality.

When simplifying through numbers, Chen humorously remarks that their dullness helps clarify potentially overwhelming complexities into a manageable figure. Numbers can be potent tools, focusing on a specific element of a situation.

However, overlooking this simplification can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, assuming two individuals with identical IQ scores are equally intelligent is misleading. As Chen remarks, “It’s alright to disregard the details, but you must remember that you have.”

Fortunately, mathematics encompasses more than mere numbers. Chen delves into the concepts of “local” and “global,” engaging in extensive discussions. Essentially, she explores surfaces formed by stitching together smaller flat areas.

By promoting “diverse thinking,” she proposes a valuable lens through which to view reality. In mathematics, debating whether a sphere and a torus are “the same” is futile. They can be understood as locally distinct but globally different. Similarly, in political discourse, it’s crucial to recognize when one faction utilizes localized arguments (“individual women benefit from the right to choose regarding abortion”) while the opposing side employs global ones (“all abortions constitute murder,” etc.).

Chen ventures deeply into abstract discussions regarding identity within categorical theory, guiding the reader through theoretical territories. Some of the most remarkable creations in art, literature, and music are indeed complex, yet we appreciate them without fully grasping the intricacies of chiaroscuro, counterpoints, or other sophisticated elements. Chen devotes herself to exploring the formal definitions of categories. Like art, we all appreciate certain abstract notions, but discovering their depth is worthwhile.

“If you believe that mathematics is solely about equations, seeing them as rigid black-and-white facts, then you likely perceive mathematics as solely stringent and binary,” states Chen. This book serves as a compelling counterargument to that misapprehension. Delving into the nuances of “equality” in mathematics will enrich your understanding of this field’s complexity and illuminate how the idea of equality is applied (and misapplied).

Sarah Hart is Professor Emelita and Provost of Geometry at the University of Gresham, UK. She authored Once Upon Prime.

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Fear of AI’s global impact drives decisions at Paris Summit on Inequality

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The global summit in Paris, attended by political leaders, technical executives, and experts, opened with a focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on the environment and inequality.

Anne Bouverot, Emmanuel Macron’s AI envoy, addressed the environmental impact of AI at the two-day gathering at Grand Palais in Paris.

Bouverot emphasized the potential of AI to mitigate climate change but also highlighted the current unsustainable trajectory. Sustainable development of technology was a key agenda item.

Christy Hoffman from the UNI Global Union emphasized the importance of involving workers in AI technologies to prevent increased inequality. Without workers’ representation, AI could exacerbate existing inequalities and strain democracy further.

Safety concerns were raised at the conference, with attendees expressing worries about the rapid pace of AI development.

Max Tegmark, a scientist, warned that the development of powerful AI systems could lead to unintended consequences similar to the scenarios depicted in a climate crisis satire film. His concerns echoed those from a previous summit in the UK.

The Paris summit, co-chaired by Macron and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on AI action. However, safety discussions were prominent given the potential risks associated with the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Demis Hassabis, head of Google’s AI efforts, mentioned that achieving AGI is likely within the next five years and emphasized the need for society to prepare for its impact.

Hassabis expressed confidence in human ingenuity to address the risks associated with AGI, particularly in autonomous systems. He believed that with enough focus and attention, these concerns could be alleviated.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Feeling limited in options: The reasoning behind Deborah’s use of shopping center Wi-Fi for schoolwork

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Westfield Shopping Center is not an ideal place for studying, but for Deborah Botende, it was one of her few options.

Botende grew up in a foster care home in Brisbane and did not have internet access at her residence. During high school, she would return home after her retail job and use the shopping center’s Wi-Fi on a second-hand laptop to complete her school assignments.

On her days off, Botende would go to the library, but her time there was limited as the library closed early.

“It was extremely challenging. I often found myself falling behind on assignments and struggling to understand them,” she recalls. “The lack of internet was a significant barrier to my education. I had to take proactive measures.

“I would use the internet after work, sometimes coming home late to work on assignments. I felt like I had no other choice. This was my reality.”

As end-of-year exams commence nationwide, the Smith family is urging the federal government to establish a national device bank to bridge the digital divide among young individuals.

According to the latest data from the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII), nearly a quarter of Australians are digitally excluded, lacking access to vital technologies such as fast internet and digital devices.

Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, mentions that around 10 million laptops, tablets, and PCs have been discarded by businesses and governments in the last five years. If these were recycled, 10 million students could benefit.

“Digital poverty is a new aspect of poverty that people are facing,” Taylor notes. “It’s a barrier that goes beyond just access.”

Device banks have been successful in other countries. Since 1993, the Canadian government has refurbished and distributed approximately 2 million digital devices through the Computers in Schools program, aiming to reduce electronic waste and enhance young people’s digital skills.

Similarly, The Smith Family has repurposed around 6,500 laptops as part of their digital inclusion efforts, noting that over 80% of students have shown improved academic performance after receiving these devices.

Mr. Taylor emphasizes that with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and new technologies, digital skills are now as crucial as basic literacy and numeracy skills in children’s education.

“We anticipate that more jobs will require higher education, and it’s difficult to envision pursuing higher education or entering the workforce without a laptop,” Taylor states.

“Furthermore, schools now view AI as an indispensable tool. Without access to it, students may face further disadvantages in their education.”

The primary reason for digital exclusion is affordability. Research from ADII shows that 65% of people in public housing experience digital affordability stress, needing to allocate more than 5% of their household income for a reliable internet connection, with 70% of them being unemployed.

Without a national digital inclusion framework, families in need must navigate fragmented state and territory grants, loans, and policies that lack coherence, according to Taylor.

There has been progress in recent years. The Queensland Government, for instance, has introduced funding for public schools to partially cover devices for economically disadvantaged students. Grant schemes are also available for upgrading broadband internet for distance learning students.

In Victoria, schools have implemented BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs, encouraging parents to provide devices for their children. In New South Wales, principals can approve the loan of digital devices for home use, though it is not mandatory.

“This is a solvable problem,” Taylor affirms. “We need to consider universal access. Just last week, I spoke to a student who was one of the few not taking notes on a laptop in a lecture. It struck me.”

“When students feel disconnected from the school environment, it impacts their educational experience. Grades suffer, and attendance declines.”

For Botende, who recently completed her advanced degree with the assistance of a donated laptop, individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds already face numerous disadvantages.

“Digital inclusion may seem basic, but it levels the playing field,” she concludes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Archaeologists say wealth inequality between households is avoided at the vast Trypillia site

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The Trypilyan culture flourished in western/central Ukraine, Moldova and eastern Romania for over two millennia, from the end of the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (5400-2700 BC).

Re-creation of the Maidanetske Giants settlement in Tripoli, Ukraine. Image by Kenny Arne Lang Antonsen / CC BY-SA 4.0.

of Tripilian culture Neolithic European culture, Happened In the 5th millennium BC, it extended from the Seret and Bug rivers in Ukraine south to present-day Romania and Moldova, and east to the Dnieper River.

Also known as the Cucuteni-Trypillarian culture, it was characterized by advanced agriculture, advanced metallurgy, pottery making, sophisticated architecture and social organization.

Tripoli society was matrilineal, with women heading the household and working in agriculture, pottery, weaving and clothing production, while hunting, livestock rearing and tool making were the responsibilities of men.

“Around 4200-3600 BC the so-called huge site of Trypilia was established at the northern limit of the Pontic steppe,” said Dr Robert Hoffmann from the University of Kiel and his colleagues.

“With an area of ​​up to 320 hectares and around 10,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest prehistoric settlements in Europe.”

“These settlements were established in partly open forest-steppe areas with very fertile loess soils.”

“They were agricultural settlements inhabited all year round, with an economy based on cereal and legume cultivation and intensive, large-scale livestock farming, primarily cattle.”

Distribution of Tripilian sites surveyed by region, with sample size and Gini coefficient. Image courtesy of Hoffman. others., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.18.

Archaeologists used variation in the size of 7,000 houses in 38 settlements to explore changing levels of inequality in three geographic regions of the Cucuteni-Trypillarian culture.

“We believe that the new social organization of the mega-institution allows residents to actively participate in the political decision-making process,” Dr. Hoffman explained.

“Such reformist nature at the time may have been the catalyst for the great attraction of these settlements, resulting in many people joining these communities.”

“We took advantage of the variation in house size in 38 settlements in Tripilia and used the Gini coefficient to calculate how the level of inequality changed in the three geographical regions over a 2000-year period,” said Dr Nils Müller-Schösel, an archaeologist at the University of Kiel.

“Our analysis shows that there was little change in the size of houses between 4300 and 3800 BC.”

“We can infer low levels of social inequality at the megalithic site of Trypillia between 4300 and 3800 BC.”

“The Tripilian community must have had effective mechanisms to prevent social inequalities,” said Professor Johannes Müller of Kiel University.

“This could have included mechanisms for balancing interests and redistributing surpluses.”

“The development of differences in house size and political institutions suggests that opportunities for participation in political decision-making processes deteriorated over time and that the original egalitarian principles of the settlement founders were gradually abandoned.”

“The result has been widening social inequalities and widening gaps in prosperity.”

“In our opinion, this was a crucial factor in the subsequent gradual disappearance of the large megasites,” Dr Hoffman said.

“The phenomenon of megasites is part of a series of historical cases that show that increasing social complexity does not necessarily go hand in hand with increasing vertical social differentiation.”

“Rather, the emergence and collapse of these large settlements was based on democratic political decisions made by the individuals and communities who lived there and ultimately decided to leave.”

Team work Published in the April 2024 issue Ancient.

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Robert Hoffman others2024. The Tripiglia megasite: a social equalizing concept? Ancient 98(398):380-400; Source: 10.15184/aqy.2024.18

Source: www.sci.news

IMF Chief Predicts AI will Affect 40% of Jobs and Potentially Exacerbate Inequality

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According to the Director-General of the International Monetary Fund, artificial intelligence will impact 40% of jobs around the world, and countries need to build social safety nets to reduce the impact on vulnerable workers. “Very important.”

AI, a term that refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks typically associated with a level of human intelligence, is poised to significantly change the global economy, with a growing risk of disrupting developed economies.

Analysis by IMFThe last international financial institution says that around 60% of jobs in developed countries such as the US and UK are exposed to AI, and half of them could be adversely affected. But as AI improves performance, the technology could also help some humans become more productive, the report said.

According to the IMF, the safest jobs at risk are those that are “highly complementary” to AI, meaning that the technology supplements rather than completely replaces jobs. This includes roles that involve a high degree of responsibility and interaction with people, such as surgeons, lawyers, and judges.

High-risk jobs that are “low complementarity” (i.e., could be replaced by AI) include telemarketing or cold calls to solicit people to offer goods or services. According to the IMF, low-exposure occupations include dishwashers and performers.

According to the IMF, AI will account for 40% of job opportunities in emerging market countries (defined by the IMF as countries including China, Brazil, and India) and 26% in low-income countries, for a total of just under 40%.

Generative AI (a term used to describe technologies that can generate highly plausible text, images, and even audio from simple manual prompts) has emerged on the political agenda since the advent of tools such as ChatGPT chatbots.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the ability of AI to impact high-skilled jobs means developed countries face greater risks from the technology. She added that in extreme cases, jobs could be lost in some major economies.

“About half of the exposed jobs could benefit from AI integration and increase productivity,” Georgieva said in a blog post accompanying the IMF study. “For the other half, AI applications could perform key tasks currently performed by humans, which could reduce demand for labor and lead to lower wages and fewer jobs. In extreme cases, some of these jobs may disappear.”

He added that in most scenarios, AI would likely exacerbate inequality across the global economy and could cause social tensions without political intervention. AI is expected to be high on the agenda at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, where top technology industry leaders are expected to attend.

“It is important for countries to establish comprehensive social safety nets and provide retraining programs for vulnerable workers,” Georgieva said. “Doing so can make the transition to AI more inclusive, protect livelihoods, and limit inequality.”

According to the IMF's analysis, high-wage workers in jobs that are highly complementary to AI can expect to see higher incomes, which could lead to higher inequality.

“This will further widen income and wealth inequality resulting from higher returns to capital accruing to high-income earners,” the IMF report said. “Countries' choices regarding fiscal policy, including the definition of AI property rights and redistribution, will ultimately shape the impact on the distribution of income and wealth.”

The report found that the UK workforce, with a high proportion of university graduates, is under no obligation to do so, although older workers may struggle to adapt to new jobs, move on to new jobs or retrain. They say they may be ready to switch from a job that risks leaving them to a job that is “highly complementary.”

Last year, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said the occupations most at risk from AI automation are high-skilled occupations, which account for about 27% of all agency jobs. 38 member countriesThis includes the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, United States, Australia, and Canada. He said skilled professions such as law, medicine and finance are most at risk.

Source: www.theguardian.com