Poverty Trumps Inequality in Material Dependence

Inequality may seem detrimental to citizens' interests, but poverty plays a more critical role in creating material dependence. While wealth inequality can foster power imbalances, the real issue lies in poverty itself, which forces individuals into precarious situations. A junior professional might experience greater inequality compared to a migrant worker, yet the former often has more stability and less material dependence due to not living paycheck to paycheck. Therefore, addressing poverty is paramount, as it directly influences individuals' autonomy and ability to act in their fundamental interests.