Culture gap widens income gulf

Dong Degang China Daily Asia News Network/Beijing

The widening income gap between social groups is attracting more and more attention. But this is overshadowing a different kind of gulf the cultural and information gap, which is also of vital importance to the healthy development of society and its long-term stability.

It should be noted that the cultural gap between different social groups is becoming wider and wider.

This is an expression of the differences in the wage packets brought home by different social groups. But, the cultural gap also serves to widen the income gap. A vicious cycle is being set in motion, demanding action.

The situation is even worse in the context of the "digital divide," which refers to the gaping difference between developed and developing countries in terms of access to online information. A domestic digital divide also exists between urban and rural populations.

As economic and social development is becoming increasingly dependent on access to information, those who possess only a little knowledge are simply unable to take in large amounts of data, exchange information or operate sophisticated equipment, and cannot cope with the constantly changing market.

Modernization is difficult for a country that is home to millions of illiterates.

In the end, it is up to poor citizens themselves, who account for 60 percent of the country's population, to increase their income by enhancing their cultural attainments.

It is therefore imperative that knowledge be spread among as many people as possible.

Popularization efforts, like delivering charcoal to somebody's doorstep in the snow as the Chinese often say, should be carried out conscientiously.

It really is a Herculean task, considering the mind-blowing number of people in this country. The task requires overall coordination by the government and support from various institutions, such as universities, research institutes and cultural units.

Help can be delivered in various ways offering ideas, donating money and materials, and sending teaching groups to rural areas, factories and urban neighborhoods.

Just as economic growth needs infrastructure, cultural undertakings demand their own framework. This requires investment from the government and society at large.

Cultural nutrition needs to be provided. Basic books about science should be tailor-made for farmers and other poor workers. Films, television programs, literary works and web pages designed to accommodate their needs and tastes should be provided.

Some cultural products should be offered free to poor people, such as books, newspapers, magazines and videos. Fees for using the Internet should be cut in half in rural areas.