Privilege: The Game of Economic Inequality

Privilege: The Game of Economic Inequality, is a card game designed to show how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It is meant to lead players through the experience of the modern economic system. The players are invited to critically examine a fundamental issue in our society, and to dream up ways to change it. Written in January 2013 by Paul Vorvick, Privilege is a learning tool game that looks to provoke discussion of a nearly-invisible issue: why our financial system does not treat everyone equally.

The social good aspect of this game is twofold. First of all, the rolling randomly for money at the beginning of the game prompts discussions about why inequality exists and what its effects are. Secondly, the inclusion of the “Medical Expenses” card begins discussions of what our health care system looks like and its duty to the sick. Whenever you read this, you’re welcome to take a look at the cards and decide if anything has changed substantially enough to warrant revising the cards.