The Inequality Observatory is alarmed by a persistent "social divide" in France

France remains a particularly unequal country , in which a "social divide" is widening, which is fueling tensions in society, warns the Observatory of Inequalities in a report published on Tuesday, June 3.

Excluding taxes and social benefits, "France is not far behind the United States and the United Kingdom, among the rich countries where (income) inequality is the highest," said Louis Maurin, director of the association, which compiles an inventory of inequality in France every two years, at a press conference.

His findings are based on OECD data: a ranking based on the Gini index, an indicator that measures income distribution within each country. If we take into account redistribution mechanisms, France finds itself in the middle of the table.

In terms of income, the richest 10% earn at least 3,653 euros, which is at least 3.4 times more than the poorest 10%, who earn less than 1,080 euros.

In addition to income inequalities, the Observatory notes significant disparities between people from the working and wealthy classes in terms of wealth, working and living conditions and even academic success .

Thus, the chances of pursuing higher education are very unequal, the report describes: 73% of children born into families of senior executives or intermediate professions have access to higher education, compared to 41% of children of workers or employees.

"The price to pay for the greed of the wealthy and educated classes is the disintegration of the social fabric," believes Louis Maurin. A "social divide" has thus gradually opened up over the past twenty years, "which massively fuels social tensions," he added.

Faced with this situation, the Observatory calls for the urgent implementation of "public policies of social justice."