Exploring Wealth & Power

Some have said that wealth is power. But it is equally true that power brings wealth. So what is the relationship between these two objects of desire? To fully understand the dynamics between the two, the topic of “Wealth & Power” was introduced to our learners of grades 5 & 6.

In the launch stage, learners were introduced to the terms ‘Wealth’ & ‘Power’. Wealth, in general terms, is the ability to buy stuff; the ability to obtain what our hearts desire from the marketplace. Power is defined as the ability to make people act the way you want them to. Learners were then acquainted with different types of power which included: Formal Power, Legitimate Power, Expert Power and more. The relation between wealth & power was discussed with the learners. They were asked to relate both the terms.

Deep Dive stage focused on unequal distribution of wealth. Learners explored the history of wealth distribution, reason behind unequal distribution of wealth and impacts of unequal distribution of wealth. Impacts of unequal distribution of wealth includes poverty, corruption, violence of rights, social bias and more. In the assessment part learners were provided with a certain amount of money and the criteria in which the amount was to be bifurcated. Learners had to plan their annual budget based on the sectors provided to them.

Coda included the initiatives taken by the government and different NGO’s to make equitable access to resources and opportunities. Some of the initiatives and schemes taken by the Government to help people below the poverty line were discussed with learners such as: Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Udaan programme for Girl Students, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, etc. Learners were assessed by preparing reports for one government scheme given to them. The aim was to let the learners know how as individuals they can help share resources and opportunities with other people.