inside/outside

The world, many people think, is divided into those who have and those who don't. For example, I had a seat, they didn't.
However, there is a theory, which I subscribe to, that the world is, in fact, divided 20:30:50. This theory was put forward by Ankie Hoogvelt in a discussion about systematic exclusion. 20% of the world are 'bankable' - you are because you are reading this, which means that you have a computer, an internet connection, a camera...you have money to spare for 'unnecessary' items. 30% of the world's population are insecure, they could lose everything very quickly due to a small change in circumstance. 50% are permanently excluded from the modern economy. These bandings are reflected, more or less, in every country in the world as a result of globalisation.
At the moment, many European governments are making cuts in public spending that will tip the 30%ers over the edge. In Europe the proportions were, at the time Hoogvelt was writing (2005), more like 20:30:30 - now we're heading to levels of exclusion that are usually seen in 'third world' countries. That's the neo-liberal dream and it ain't a nice one.
Speaking as someone who never turned away from socialism, I have to admit that there is a teensy bit of me that likes to point my finger and waggle it a bit and say 'I told you so'. But insttead I will carry on striving to do my little bit to revert some injustices and give a helping hand to a few people here and there to reclaim their dignity as human beings and live a life that's worthy of living.
*sermon ends*