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      Past and present causes of inequality

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how historical and present-day human factors have created and reinforced inequalities.

      Key learning points

      1. Colonialism was a system where powerful countries controlled others for power, land and resources.
      2. Colonialism shaped modern trade and wealth gaps.
      3. Debt and global trade rules reinforce global inequality.
      4. Technology gaps limit opportunities in poor nations.
      5. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

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      6 Questions

      Q1.
      How can physical geography impact a country's development?

      It has no impact on development.
      Correct answer: It can affect resources, trade, and agriculture.
      Only climate matters for development.
      Countries with mountains are always richer.

      Q2.
      What does ‘quality of life’ refer to?

      The number of people living in a country
      How much money a country has
      Correct answer: The overall well-being and standard of living of people

      Q3.
      What is development?

      The size of a country’s population
      The number of jobs in a country
      Correct answer: Improvements in living standards, economy, and infrastructure

      Q4.
      How can inequality impact development?

      Correct answer: It can slow down progress by limiting opportunities for many people.
      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?

      The number of tourists visiting each year
      The number of sports stadiums
      Correct answer: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
      The number of rivers in the country

      Q6.
      How can economic growth help improve quality of life?

      Correct answer: It can lead to better jobs, healthcare, and education.
      It always makes everyone equally wealthy.
      It has no impact on people’s lives.
      It only benefits businesses.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How can physical geography contribute to inequality?

      Geography has no impact on inequality.
      Correct answer: Access to resources and climate can affect development.
      All land is equally useful for farming and trade.
      Only technology determines inequality.

      Q2.
      Do historical factors still impact global inequality today?

      No, past events no longer affect modern economies.
      Yes, but only in a few countries.
      Correct answer: Yes, colonialism, slavery, and past trade patterns still shape inequality.
      No, all countries have had the same opportunities to develop.

      Q3.
      Colonialism is where…

      countries agree to share resources equally.
      a country isolates itself from the rest of the world.
      Correct answer: one country takes control over another, often exploiting its resources & people.
      trade happens between two equal partners.

      Q4.
      How can governments help reduce inequality?

      Correct answer: Investing in education, healthcare, and fair wages
      Ignoring the needs of poorer communities
      Keeping wages low and limiting opportunities

      To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Past and present causes of inequality, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...