Which economic term refers to the phenomenon where the rich get richer while the poor remain poor?

The term that correctly refers to the phenomenon where the rich get richer while the poor remain poor is economic inequality. This concept highlights the disparity in wealth and income distribution within a society. Economic inequality examines the uneven distribution of resources, where a small segment of the population controls a significant portion of wealth, leaving others with limited financial security and opportunity.

Understanding economic inequality involves recognizing the systemic factors and policies that contribute to this divide, such as access to education, inheritance, wage disparities, and tax structures. The implications of economic inequality can be profound, affecting social cohesion, political stability, and overall economic growth.

In contrast, options like equilibrium refer to a state of balance in economic forces, monetary expansion relates to the increase of money supply in the economy, and social mobility describes the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy based on factors like education and employment opportunities. These concepts do not specifically capture the situation where wealth concentration occurs alongside persistent poverty.