Trace inequality is when certain groups in society tend to have fewer resources than other groups. It is different from income inequality, which is when certain people make more money than other people. Trace inequality occurs because different groups can have access to different resources and opportunities to get ahead. For example, some groups may be less likely to receive a quality education or have equal access to jobs or to other resources that can help them be successful. This often creates a cycle of inequality that can be hard for people to break out of.