Abstract. Social inequalities and poverty are realities of all societies, but there are differences of degree between them. Looking at some Eastern countries that joined recently European Union, especially Romania and Bulgaria, article shows that both countries have extreme poverty and social inequalities. The explanations come from past and recent history, but also from the economic measures taken after 1990. The result is pessimism of the population of the two countries because of the poverty and a lack of confidence regarding the future.

Keywords: social inequality; polarization; poverty; property; income.