INCOME INEQUALITY AND ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

Income inequality is one of the key socio-economic problems of the Republic of Moldova, which directly affects citizens' access to quality education. Uneven income distribution leads to significant disparities in educational opportunities, especially among representatives of low-income groups and residents of rural regions. This situation threatens social mobility, exacerbates structural economic imbalances and limits the long-term development of the country's human capital. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between the level of income of the population and the availability of educational services in the Republic of Moldova, identify the main barriers to quality education for different social groups and develop recommendations for reducing the negative impact of economic inequality on the education sector. The object of the study is the income distribution system and its impact on the availability of education in Moldova, as well as state regulation mechanisms aimed at overcoming educational inequality. Research methods. The research used methods of economic and statistical analysis, comparative analysis of educational and socio-economic indicators, correlation and regression analysis to determine the relationship between income level and access to education, as well as an expert survey on the impact of state policy on the educational sphere. Research hypothesis. Inequality in income of the population is one of the main reasons for unequal access to education in the Republic of Moldova. Increasing state funding for education, in particular through social support programs for low-income families, will help reduce the gap in educational opportunities between different segments of the population. Presentation of the main materials. Analysis of statistical data confirms significant disparities in the level of educational opportunities between the urban and rural population. Poverty significantly limits access to higher education, and also affects the quality of schooling. State education support programs have a certain positive effect, but do not completely solve the problem of social inequality. It was found that countries with similar economic conditions apply more effective mechanisms for supporting education through scholarship programs, financial assistance to students and investments in the development of educational infrastructure. Originality and practical significance of the study. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive approach to assessing the impact of income inequality on access to education using quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. The practical significance lies in the formulation of recommendations for improving state policy in the field of education in order to ensure equal access to educational institutions for all segments of the population. Conclusions and prospects for further research. The results of the study confirm the existence of a direct relationship between income level and access to quality education in the Republic of Moldova. The high level of economic inequality negatively affects the educational opportunities of low-income citizens. Further research should be aimed at assessing the effectiveness of specific policy measures aimed at reducing educational inequality, as well as at developing new mechanisms for financing education adapted to the economic realities of the country.