Certain levels of social inequality can be found in all societies. Powerful people can assert their will against the impotent, the wealthy live more pleasantly than the poor, the honored are revered, the despised are avoided. Of course, the nature and extent of social inequalities differ considerably in different societies.
However, social inequalities continue to grow in all higher developed societies: those with a low level of qualification are finding it increasingly difficult to find employment. The integration of many immigrants becomes more difficult. Unemployed people lack money, self-respect and recognition. More and more people are considered poor. The once middle-class and politically stabilizing middle classes are shrinking. The number of highly qualified and the well-earners grows.
Social inequalities affect on the one hand, the everyday life chances and experiences of individuals. On top of that, social inequalities also create societal problems and political conflicts that extend beyond the reality of individual people. The social and political significance of social inequality can therefore hardly be surpassed. Accordingly, a bioeconomy must guarantee social justice in the long term to create a peaceful and sustainable European society.