Updated continuously by citizens like you, Newsvine is an instant reflection of what the world is talking about at any given moment.
Article Source: AlterNet.orgWe live in a world of deep inequality, and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. We in the rich world generally agree that this is a problem we ought to help fix—but that the real beneficiaries will be the billions of people living in poverty. After all, inequality has little impact on the lives of those who find themselves on top of the pile. Right?
Not exactly, says British epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson.
In fact, it turns out that not only disease, but a whole host of social problems ranging from mental illness to drug use are worse in unequal societies. In his latest book, The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better, co-written with Kate Pickett, Wilkinson details the pernicious effects that inequality has on societies: eroding trust, increasing anxiety and illness, encouraging excessive consumption.
The good news is that increased equality has the opposite effect: statistics show that communities without large gaps between rich and poor are more resilient and their members live longer, happier lives.
#1 - Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:43 PM EDTVery interesting article - you do know of course that this idea of equality and bridging the poor/rich divide makes you a socialist commie lover:) LOL. Great seed Loretta with lots of food for thought.
LOL. Yeah, I know. I've never understood the need to pigeon-hole people so easily. Guess it serves to excuse not giving a concept serious thought.
Just me I guess, but I would think that agrarian societies that are not so hung up on the concept or need for money would probably be happier overall than the industrialised money oriented societies.
#2 - Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:26 PM EDTThat's a good point. I'm happiest when I'm working outdoors. It's soul satisfying to nurture new life and be able to see the fruits of your labor growing in the fields.
That's a good point. I'm happiest when I'm working outdoors. It's soul satisfying to nurture new life and be able to see the fruits of your labor growing in the fields.
Don't have a green finger (any plant around me dies:) - but as pertains to the article i think that in itself it could be soul destroying if you don't live in a green and fertile land. We need to bridge the gap for sure - but we also really need to support the fight against poverty in emerging and third world economies.
2.2: Don't forget killing bugs and pulling weeds.
LOL. Yes, part of the routine except I've learned organic ways of dealing with both. For instance, marigolds drive off pests, and some ground covers are so aggressive they force the weeds out. I also have horses, and they love to munch on greenery, so when I need a plot cleaned out, they get to work.
I learned long ago that a weed is only a weed if it is growing in a place it isn't wanted. A rose is a weed in a vegetable garden. What we call weeds are part of the necessary balance of nature.
2.3: we also really need to support the fight against poverty in emerging and third world economies.
You're right. I love the sites where we can go and help finance someone on the other side of the world for a only a few bucks. Bill Clinton's foundation does that. Women from around the world are listed with what they want do to and how much they need to do it. You can pick who you want to help, pick up the full tab or a part of it as a loan. He says the default rate on the loans is almost -0- and most people choose to leave their money in the fund to help the next woman with a project. Such a great idea.
Good seed. Interesting article.
I would have liked to have tighter causality, though. Wilkinson gives us generalities...
#3 - Fri Mar 19, 2010 6:08 AM EDTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
Log In | Register
