Inequality and social problems - correlation or causation?

Most would agree that high levels of inequality in an economy are not desirable, and research is now showing that it may be a significant factor in a wide range of social problems. The graphic below shows a strong relationship between the amount of inequality in different countries and an index which combines a number of social issues.

But does the graph show correlation or causation? The authors of the study, in their book “The Spirit Level” make a convincing argument that it is a causal factor and one of the main reasons is that greater inequality breeds anxiety about how we compare with others - both about rising in the scale and keeping one’s status. These stresses lead to social trouble, such as young men who lack status often react violently when shamed or humiliated and people who belong to a perceived underclass do poorly at school. Educational success “can be profoundly affected by the way we feel we are seen and judged by others”

In any case, the graphic is certainly worth a class discussion on and can lead in to ways that the government (or others) can achieve a more equal society. And how much equality is too much?

More slides from the book can be found here.

Geoff’s post on inequality with a number of resources (originally for students in the essay competition but great for teachers too!) is here.