One might think that as the world advances, inequality would become less. In far too many place, the opposite is happening. Unlike climate change, inequality doesn’t have a people’s movement – yet. But now, it does have a game, a reimagined version of Monopoly, that teaches young people about the issues of inequalities and discrimination   

The game was created by French independent agency, Herezie, for social inequality organisation, Observatory of Inequalities. Monopoly of Inequalities is designed as an extension of the legendary board game, with its own rules that highlight issues of inequality. Unlike the traditional game, 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 aids learning. Underprivileged social classes don’t move as quickly as other, for example. Women earn less when they pass Go.

The game aims to change attitudes and prejudices towards inequality and reject stigmatisation. It encourages tolerance and empathy. It encourages people to react to situations of injustice or discrimination.

“The initiative is fantastic for the simple reason that you can tackle extremely serious and important topics in a playful way and in a way that makes young people want to take an interest in the issue,” explained Elisabeth Moreno, French Minister responsible for equality between women and men, diversity and equal opportunities. 

The approximately 30-minute game is being used as part of a two-hour educational workshop, including a 1.5-hour debate, accessible for children from 11 years old, and has already been set up in many French schools.

Credits: 

Brand: Observatoire des Inégalités 
Brand Manager: Constance Monnier 
Project Manager: Tristan Bouvier 
Managing Director: Louis Maurin

Creative Agency: Herezie
Chief Executive Officer: Andrea Stillacci 
Executive Creative Directors: Paul Marty & Etienne Renaux 
Art Directors: Marie Dutech & Léo Michel 
Copywriters: Léo Michel & Marie Dutech