New
New
Past and present causes of inequality
I can explain how historical and present-day human factors have created and reinforced inequalities.
Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
- Year 8
Past and present causes of inequality
I can explain how historical and present-day human factors have created and reinforced inequalities.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Colonialism was a system where powerful countries controlled others for power, land and resources.
- Colonialism shaped modern trade and wealth gaps.
- Debt and global trade rules reinforce global inequality.
- Technology gaps limit opportunities in poor nations.
- Historical inequalities still impact development today.
Keywords
Colonialism - a system where powerful countries control others for power, land, and resources
Debt - money that is borrowed and must be paid back
Imports - goods or services that a country buys from other countries
Exports - goods or services that a country sells to other countries
Common misconception
Historical factors no longer impact on global inequality around the world.
There is an enduring impact of history on global inequality. Historical factors have shaped wealth, opportunities, and power today.
This lesson deals with the difficult subject matter associated with colonialism and slavery. It is worth liaising with your school’s History department to speak about where these topics fit into their curriculum.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How can physical geography impact a country's development?
How can physical geography impact a country's development?
It has no impact on development.
Only climate matters for development.
Countries with mountains are always richer.
Q2.What does ‘quality of life’ refer to?
What does ‘quality of life’ refer to?
The number of people living in a country
How much money a country has
Q3.What is development?
What is development?
The size of a country’s population
The number of jobs in a country
Q4.How can inequality impact development?
How can inequality impact development?
It helps all people in a country equally.
It has no effect on development.
It makes all countries richer.
Q5.Which factor is a key measure of a country’s wealth?
Which factor is a key measure of a country’s wealth?
The number of tourists visiting each year
The number of sports stadiums
The number of rivers in the country
Q6.How can economic growth help improve quality of life?
How can economic growth help improve quality of life?
It always makes everyone equally wealthy.
It has no impact on people’s lives.
It only benefits businesses.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How can physical geography contribute to inequality?
How can physical geography contribute to inequality?
Geography has no impact on inequality.
All land is equally useful for farming and trade.
Only technology determines inequality.
Q2.Do historical factors still impact global inequality today?
Do historical factors still impact global inequality today?
No, past events no longer affect modern economies.
Yes, but only in a few countries.
No, all countries have had the same opportunities to develop.
Q3.Colonialism is where…
Colonialism is where…
countries agree to share resources equally.
a country isolates itself from the rest of the world.
trade happens between two equal partners.
Q4.How can governments help reduce inequality?
How can governments help reduce inequality?
Ignoring the needs of poorer communities
Keeping wages low and limiting opportunities
