Report on Media Analysis of Economic Inequality in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

This report analyzes a media discussion concerning the growing economic disparity, using pricing structures at Disney World as a case study. The analysis highlights the direct relevance of this socio-economic trend to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The discussion, originating from a podcast episode, serves as a cultural barometer for increasing public and media focus on economic stratification and its impact on societal inclusion.

2.0 Subject of Analysis

The primary subject is a podcast episode featuring commentators Sonny, Alyssa, and Peter. The core of their discussion revolves around a New York Times article detailing the economic divide among visitors to Disney World.

• Primary Topic: The widening gap between high-income and middle-to-low-income guests at Disney World.
• Secondary Topic: A cinematic review of the film Caught Stealing.
• Forthcoming Analysis: A planned discussion on the film High and Low and the book King’s Ransom.

3.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The central theme of the discussion on economic stratification at a major cultural institution directly aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The following goals are of significant relevance:

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The core of the analysis focuses on the growing disparity between the “haves and the have-nots.” The Disney World example illustrates how economic inequality manifests in restricted access to cultural and recreational activities, creating tiered experiences based on wealth. This directly addresses Target 10.2, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of economic status.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty: While not explicitly about poverty, the escalating costs of participation in mainstream cultural life can exclude lower-income families, reinforcing social exclusion and limiting opportunities for shared community experiences. This relates to the broader goal of ensuring all people have equal rights to economic resources and basic services.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This goal includes providing universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces. While privately owned, institutions like Disney World function as significant cultural spaces. The trend towards economic segregation within such spaces undermines the principle of inclusive community life.

4.0 Key Findings and Observations

• The media discourse indicates a growing awareness of how macroeconomic trends of inequality are impacting everyday life and cultural participation.
• The use of Disney World as a case study effectively translates abstract economic concepts into a relatable, tangible example of socio-economic division.
• The podcast’s engagement with this topic demonstrates that cultural commentary is increasingly intersecting with critical analysis of economic systems and their alignment with sustainability and equality objectives.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The article directly addresses the theme of economic inequality. The central topic is the “widening gap between the haves and the have-nots at Disney World.” This aligns perfectly with the core mission of SDG 10, which is to reduce inequality within and among countries. The discussion of “Disney’s economic inequality” points to disparities in economic status and access to leisure and cultural experiences.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 10.1: Progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

• The article’s reference to a “widening gap” between the “haves” (the wealthy) and the “have-nots” (implicitly, the middle and lower-income classes) suggests that the income and purchasing power of the lower economic segments are not keeping pace with the top. This situation is the inverse of what Target 10.1 aims to achieve, making the target highly relevant to the problem described.

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… economic or other status.

• The issue described is a form of economic and social exclusion. As the cost of experiences like visiting Disney World rises disproportionately, it becomes less accessible to the middle class, effectively excluding them based on their economic status. This directly relates to the goal of promoting economic inclusion for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Implied Indicator for Target 10.1

• The article does not provide quantitative data, but the phrase “widening gap between the haves and the have-nots” is a qualitative description of what official indicators measure. This concept is directly measured by Indicator 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total population. The “widening gap” implies that the growth rate for the wealthy is far outpacing that of the bottom 40 percent.

Implied Indicator for Target 10.2

• The article’s theme of the middle class being priced out of a common cultural experience implies a measure of economic stratification and its social consequences. This relates to the concept behind Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income. While not explicitly mentioned, this indicator measures the segment of the population that is most likely to face the economic exclusion described in the article.

4. Summary Table

Source: thebulwark.com