inequality: the enemy between us? richard wilkinson emeritus professor of social epidemiology
DESCRIPTION
Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology. Income per head and life-expectancy: rich & poor countries. www.equalitytrust.org.uk. Source: Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level (2009). www.equalitytrust.org.uk. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Inequality: the enemy between us?Richard Wilkinson
Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology
![Page 2: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
![Page 3: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
Income per head and life-expectancy: rich & poor countries
Source: Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level (2009) www.equalitytrust.org.uk
![Page 4: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Life expectancy in rich countries is no longer related to National Income per head
![Page 5: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
Local Neighbourhoods(in England & Wales)
Life
exp
ecta
ncy
(yea
rs)
Richest Poorest
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level www.equalitytrust.org.uk
Life expectancy is strongly related to income within rich countries
![Page 6: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
3.7 3.9 4.3 4.6 4.8 5.2 5.3 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.7 6.1 6.26.7 6.8 6.8 7.2
8.5
9.7
4.0
8.07.0
3.4
Income gapsHow many times richer are the richest fifth than the poorest fifth?
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level www.equalitytrust.org.uk
Inequality...How much richer are the richest 20% in each country than the poorest 20%?
![Page 7: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Health and social problems with social gradients and internationally comparable data
• Life expectancy• Math & Literacy • Infant mortality• Homicides• Imprisonment• Teenage births • Trust• Obesity• Mental illness – incl. drug &
alcohol addiction• Social mobility
![Page 8: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Index of: • Life expectancy• Math & Literacy
• Infant mortality• Homicides• Imprisonment• Teenage births • Trust• Obesity• Mental illness
– incl. drug & alcohol addiction
• Social mobility
www.equalitytrust.org.uk
Health and social problems are worse in more unequal countries
Inde
x of
hea
lth a
nd s
ocia
l pro
blem
s
![Page 9: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Neither health nor social problems are related to national income per head
Index of: • Life expectancy• Math & Literacy
• Infant mortality• Homicides• Imprisonment• Teenage births • Trust• Obesity• Mental illness
– incl. drug & alcohol addiction
• Social mobility
Inde
x of
hea
lth a
nd s
ocia
l pro
blem
s
![Page 10: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Child well-being is better in more equal countries
![Page 11: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Child Wellbeing is not related to National Income per head
![Page 12: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level www.equalitytrust.org.uk
People in more unequal countries trust each other less
![Page 13: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level www.equalitytrust.org.uk
People in more unequal states of the USA trust each other less
![Page 14: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Mental illness is more common in more unequal societies
![Page 15: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
Infant Mortality Rates are Higher in More Unequal Countries
Source: Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level (2009) www.equalitytrust.org.uk
![Page 16: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
Income Inequality
Hom
icid
es p
er m
illio
n pe
ople
Low High
Daly M, Wilson M, Vasdev S. Income inequality and homicide rates in Canada and the United States. Can J Crim 2001; 43: 219-36.
Homicide rates are higher in more unequal
US states and Canadian provinces USA states Canadian provinces
![Page 17: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Imprisonment rates are higher in more unequal countries
![Page 18: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
Teenage Birth Rates are Higher in More Unequal Rich Countries
Source: Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level (2009) www.equalitytrust.org.uk
![Page 19: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
www.equalitytrust.org.ukWilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Social mobility is lower in more unequal countries
![Page 20: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Social Relations
• Child conflict• Homicide• Imprisonment• Social capital• Trust
In summary... bigger income gaps lead to deteriorations in:-
Human Capital
• Child wellbeing• High school drop outs• Math & literacy scores• Social mobility• Teenage births
Health• Drug abuse• Infant mortality• Life expectancy• Mental illness • Obesity
Exceptions:suicide?
![Page 21: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Indicator International US 50 StatesCensus GiniUN 20:20 OECD Gini
r p r p r pChild wellbeing -071 <0.01 -0.68 0.01 - -Trust -0.66 <0.01 -0.66 0.03 -0.70 <0.01Life expectancy -0.44 0.04 -0.27 0.24 -0.45 <0.01Infant mortality 0.42 0.04 0.54 0.01 0.43 <0.01Obesity 0.57 <0.01 0.41 0.06 0.47 <0.01Mental illness 0.73 <0.01 0.32 0.30 0.18 0.12Education score -0.45 0.04 -0.46 0.05 -0.47 .01Teen birth rate 0.73 <0.01 0.64 <0.01 0.46 <0.01Homicides 0.47 0.02 0.44 0.04 0.42 <0.01Imprisonment 0.75 <0.01 0.51 0.02 0.48 <0.01Social mobility 0.93 <0.01 0.83 <0.01 - -Index 0.87 <0.01 0.75 <0.01 0.59 <0.01
Correlations: different measures and settings
![Page 22: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Zheng H. Social Science & Medicine 2012; 75: 36-45.
Mor
talit
y: O
dds
Rat
io
Lag time - Years
Lag times: marginal impact of a 0.01-unit increase in the Gini on individual mortality risk over time
![Page 23: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level
Index of: • Life expectancy• Math & Literacy
• Infant mortality• Homicides• Imprisonment• Teenage births • Trust• Obesity• Mental illness
– incl. drug & alcohol addiction
• Social mobility
www.equalitytrust.org.uk
Health and social problems are worse in more unequal countries
Inde
x of
hea
lth a
nd s
ocia
l pro
blem
s
![Page 24: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
0
5
10
15
Singlemothers
Low HighFather's occupational class
Infa
nt d
eath
s pe
r 100
0
England & WalesSweden
Leon, D. A., D. Vagero, et al. (1992). "Social class differences in infant mortality in Sweden: comparison with England and Wales." Brit Med J 305(6855): 687-91.
The benefits of greater equality are not confined to the poor but extend to all social classes
Infant mortality by class: Sweden compared with England & Wales
![Page 25: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
Literacy Scores of 16-25 year olds by Parents' Education
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Parents' Education (years)
Lite
racy
sco
re
Sweden
Canada
United States
Source: Willms JD. 1997. Data from OECD Programme for International Student Assessment.
![Page 26: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
These relationships reflect deep-seated social processes.
What are they?How do they work?
![Page 27: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Income differences increase social class differentiation
Bigger income differences:-
• Class becomes more important • The social pyramid is higher
and more hierarchical• The quality of social relations
deteriorates
![Page 28: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
More inequality
• More superiority and inferiority• More status competition and consumerism
• More status insecurity
• More worry about how we are seen and judged
• More “social evaluation anxiety”(threats to self-esteem & social
status, fear of negative judgements
Valued or Devalued?
![Page 29: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Even low levels of stress raise death rates
Russ TC, Stamatakis E, Hamer M, Starr JM, Kivimäki M, Batty GD. Association between psychological distress and mortality: pooled analysis of 10 prospective cohort studies. BMJ 2012; 345: e4933.
![Page 30: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
Psychosocial risk factors for ill health
Low social status
Weak social connections
Stress in early life (pre- and postnatally)
![Page 31: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Other tasks
Tasks with ‘social evaluative threat’ (uncontrollable)
Cor
tisol
resp
onse
(effe
ct s
ize)
Dickerson SS, Kemeny ME. Acute stressors and cortisol responses. Psychological Bulletin 2004; 130(3): 355-91.
What kind of stressful tasks raise stress hormones most?
![Page 32: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Loughnan S, et al. Economic Inequality is linked to biased self-perception. Psychological Science, 2011; 22: 1254
Self enhancement increases in more unequal societies
![Page 33: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Rising narcissism among American college students(meta-analysis of 85 samples 1979-2006)
Nar
ciss
istic
Per
sona
lity
Inve
ntor
y
Twenge JM, Konrath S, Foster JD, Campbell WK, Bushman BJ. Egos inflating over time. J Personality 2008; 76(4): 875-901.
![Page 34: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Rising income inequality in Britain 1979-2011In
equa
lity
(Gin
i)
Cribb J, Joyce R, Phillips D. Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2012. Institute for Fiscal Studies, London 2012
![Page 35: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
What can be done?Taxes & benefits
• Stop tax avoidance
• End tax havens
• Make taxation progressive again
Income differences before tax
• Stronger Trade Unions
• Increase company democracy - employee ownership etc
• Promote more directors from within companies
Sustainability needs greater equality
![Page 36: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
![Page 37: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Mishel L, Sabadish N. Economic Policy Institute Brief #331. Washington, May 2012
Changing ratio of CEO pay to average pay of production & non-supervisory workers in top 350 US companies
Between 1979-2007 the income of the:-Top 0.1% increased by 362%Top 1% increased by 156%Bottom 90% increased by17%
![Page 38: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Pay differentials• Pay ratios in public sector usually between 1:10 and 1:20
• Average for FTSE 100 companies 1:300
• 78% of public think the pay gap is too large, but only 27% support higher welfare benefits. (Brit Soc Atts Survey)
• Greater London Assembly committed (16th June 2010) to pay differences of 1:20, with a long term goal of 1:10.
• Hutton Report suggested public sector 1:20
• Brit Soc Atts Survey: Appropriate pay for unskilled worker: £16,000, for CEO of large company: £100,000. i.e. ratio of less than 1:7
• Fairness Commissions have recommended Living Wage
• Referendum in Switzerland (Nov 2013) limiting pay differentials to 1:12
• WageMark – a new standard (like Fair Trade) to be launched for companies with pay differences less than 1:8
• Mondragon Cooperatives between 1:3 and 1:9. Ave 1:5
![Page 39: Inequality: the enemy between us? Richard Wilkinson Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062813/56816471550346895dd65566/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
39
http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk
For more information:… a book
and a website…