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Tuesday 1 February 2011

Unit 2: Inequality and social problems - correlation or causation?

Most would agree (probably not Larissa) that high levels of inequality in an economy are not desirable.

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”


Q's for discussion;

How can the government (or others) achieve a more equal society.

How much equality is too much?

Useful slideshow on equality below.....


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