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The Spirit Level
The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger | Richard Wilkinson, Kate Pickett
4 posts | 9 read | 7 to read
This groundbreaking book, based on thirty years' research, demonstrates that more unequal societies are bad for almost everyone within them-the well-off and the poor. The remarkable data the book lays out and the measures it uses are like a spirit level which we can hold up to compare different societies. The differences revealed, even between rich market democracies, are striking. Almost every modern social and environmental problem-ill health, lack of community life, violence, drugs, obesity, mental illness, long working hours, big prison populations-is more likely to occur in a less equal society. The book goes to the heart of the apparent contrast between material success and social failure in many modern national societies. The Spirit Level does not simply provide a diagnosis of our ills, but provides invaluable instruction in shifting the balance from self-interested consumerism to a friendlier, more collaborative society. It shows a way out of the social and environmental problems which beset us, and opens up a major new approach to improving the real quality of life, not just for the poor but for everyone. It is, in its conclusion, an optimistic book, which should revitalize politics and provide a new way of thinking about how we organize human communities.
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nomierosie
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Seems appropriate that I was just considering ordering a takeaway and bing shopping on etsy #thespiritlevel #indulgence #food #overeating #emotional

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nomierosie
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It may sound stupid but I think it matters that they offer these kinds of explanations, it makes the content more approachable for less academic readers and the whole book more inclusive #thespiritlevel #graphs #equality #politics #academia

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nomierosie
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Just some light reading on a Sunday afternoon! #equality #politics

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alisonrose
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For the #augustphotochallenge - this is an important and fascinating study of just how damaging the effects of inequality are on all aspects of society, including on the mental wellbeing of citizens, especially the more marginalized groups. There is a lot here that can be saddening and frustrating, but the book is also filled with hope and ambition. I think everyone - especially our politicians! - should be required to read this! #augustofpages