Conclusion

The aim of this volume is to evaluate whether differences in upbringing represent a source of persistent inequality in society. The objective of this volume is to determine how the social and economic policies of governments should be focused to eradicate the emergence of such inequalities at source. If a government’s social and economic policies are not so attuned and correlated with the realities and needs of human development, then the implication would be that there will be increases in inequality because of economic growth. Therefore, changing the emphasis of government policy from facilitating economic growth to promoting improvements in the quality of life and well-being may not have much effect if the causes of inequality are due to differences in upbringing. This will give rise to differences in the trajectory of human development—with children nurtured in a caring and loving environment with access to educational and other resources faring better later in life in contrast to those children who are destitute of love and resources. The former will develop to be more resilient into adolescence and then into adulthood while the latter will not. It may be this category of children who develop mental and emotional stability issues later in life as a result of converging with an adverse environment.