Observatoire des Inégalités: Monopoly of Inequalities

The Observatory of Inequalities and french independant agency Herezie are launching an educational toolbox including the "Monopoly of Inequalities". Designed as an extension of the legendary board game, this educational game invites young people to reflect on the issue of inequalities and discrimination. A game built by professionals following several years of thinking. Founded in 2003, the Observatory of Inequalities is an independent organisation created to report on inequalities in France and Europe. In 2017, the organization launched a reflection on the issue of inequalities in France through a video that has gone viral. Children play a game of Monopoly © with adapted rules to reflect the reality of today’s society. “In 2017 the video generated more than 30 million organic views on Facebook. ” A game accessible to all inspired by the rules of Monopoly. The “Monopoly of Inequalities” extension, available in the toolbox, completes the classic Monopoly © board (game board not supplied). The original rules have been adapted to reflect the real inequalities in our society. For example, girls earn less than boys by going through square one, some players start the game with a heritage of houses positioned on the board, others will only be able to play with one dice, etc. Unlike traditional play, players are not treated equally. Everyone puts themselves in the shoes of a character, dealt out at the start of the game, and discovers, through the rules and “event” cards, injustices that may or may not apply to them depending on their characteristics. Each rule is justified by data that allows the facilitator to objectify the discussions. The game aims to change mentalities and prejudices and reject stigmatization. It encourages the development of a spirit of tolerance and encourages empathy. It encourages people to react to situations of injustice or discrimination. It encourages us to question ourselves about success (which is not necessarily synonymous with wealth) in the face of its own barriers. And if, in the longer term, this educational game generates a commitment to associative, civic or collective action, the game will then really be won!