There are many reasons for economic inequality within societies. These causes are often inter-related and complex. For example, race differences and wealth condensation are different causes but can be highly correlated within a population. The relationship between cause and effect can also be non-linear and complex. For example, economic inequality decreases the amount of social cohesion within society, leading to greater inequality. Among the acknowledged factors that impact economic inequality in some part are the labour market, innate ability, education, race, gender, culture, wealth condensation, and development patterns.

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