UPM Institutional Repository

Education and inequality in the era of globalisation: comparative policy insights from ten nations


Citation

Jingchun, Zhang and Koo, Lee Feng and Wong, Tze Jin and Sarbini, Izzatul Nabila (2025) Education and inequality in the era of globalisation: comparative policy insights from ten nations. Lex localis - Journal of Local Self-Government, 23 (S4). pp. 2369-2383. ISSN 1581-5374; eISSN: 1855-363X

Abstract

Globalisation has transformed national economies, social structures, and labour markets, presenting new opportunities but exacerbating income inequality and resource accessibility. Education is important to this shift, both as a conduit for social mobility and a factor in economic resilience. This study examines the relationship among globalisation, educational access, and economic inequality through a comparative analysis of 10 nations: the United States, Germany, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Georgia. The study integrates secondary macroeconomic data from 2022 to 2023 with qualitative policy analyses. Statistical analysis employing Pearson correlation indicates minimal correlations among Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, secondary school enrolment, and income inequality, implying that merely increasing access to education is insufficient for achieving equitable development. Case study findings highlight that aligning education policy with labour market demands, promoting digital inclusion, and implementing decentralised governance structures substantially improves the efficacy of educational investments. India and Poland exemplify effective methods through vocational integration and equity-centered reforms, but enduring disparities in Brazil and Malaysia underscore the shortcomings of access-oriented initiatives. This study highlights the necessity of focussing on education within an integrated framework that encompasses social protection, economic inclusion, and sustainable policy development. It provides evidence-based suggestions consistent with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), promoting inclusive educational systems that effectively address structural disparities exacerbated by globalisation.


Download File

[img] Text
126390.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (749kB)

Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Social Sciences
Subject: Economics
Subject: Education
Divisions: Institute for Mathematical Research
Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.52152/800894
Publisher: UK Zhende Publishing Limited Company
Keywords: Globalisation; Inclusive education; Comparative analysis; Macroeconomic; Education inequality
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Depositing User: MS. HADIZAH NORDIN
Date Deposited: 23 Jun 2026 08:13
Last Modified: 23 Jun 2026 08:13
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.52152/800894
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/126390
Statistic Details: View Download Statistic

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item