Review of The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson

 

The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone, written by epidemiologists Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, presents a compelling argument that societies with greater economic inequality suffer from a host of social ills, including worse health outcomes, higher crime rates, and lower social mobility. The book has been influential in discussions on economic policy and social justice, but it has also faced substantial criticism regarding its methodology, interpretation of data, and policy recommendations.

Strengths of The Spirit Level

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to synthesize vast amounts of social science and public health data into a single, coherent argument. Pickett and Wilkinson convincingly demonstrate a correlation between income inequality and a range of negative social outcomes. Their analysis suggests that in more unequal societies, people experience lower levels of trust, mental health problems, and higher levels of violence. By making complex statistical relationships accessible to a general audience, the book has had a significant impact on public discourse about economic inequality.

Another strength of The Spirit Level is its emphasis on psychological and social factors. The authors argue that inequality increases stress and status anxiety, which in turn negatively affects health and well-being. This perspective moves beyond traditional economic arguments about wealth distribution and highlights the broader social consequences of disparities in income.

Criticisms of The Spirit Level

Despite its strengths, The Spirit Level has been criticized on several fronts, particularly regarding its use of data and statistical analysis. Critics argue that the authors selectively choose data that support their thesis while overlooking contradictory evidence. For example, some studies suggest that economic growth and absolute levels of wealth have a greater impact on social outcomes than relative inequality.

The book has also been accused of conflating correlation with causation. While The Spirit Level presents strong associations between inequality and social problems, it does not establish definitive causal mechanisms. Some researchers argue that other variables—such as cultural differences, governance quality, or historical factors—may better explain the patterns observed.

Additionally, there are methodological concerns regarding how countries are grouped and compared. Some scholars argue that the selection of countries used in the analysis is arbitrary and that different groupings might yield different results. For instance, some more equal countries do not always perform better on social indicators, while some unequal societies perform better than the book suggests.

Policy Implications and Feasibility

Pickett and Wilkinson advocate for policies that reduce income inequality, such as higher taxes on the wealthy, stronger social safety nets, and increased public spending on education and healthcare. While these proposals are widely debated, critics argue that the book does not sufficiently address the potential economic trade-offs of such policies. High taxation, for example, could have unintended consequences on productivity, investment, and economic growth, which may, in turn, limit the resources available for redistribution.

Moreover, the book assumes that reducing inequality alone will directly lead to better social outcomes, but critics contend that addressing specific issues—such as education reform, healthcare improvements, and criminal justice policies—might be more effective in improving social well-being.

Conclusion

The Spirit Level is an influential and provocative book that has played a crucial role in shaping contemporary debates about inequality and social policy. It succeeds in making a strong case that economic disparities are linked to various societal issues, and it has inspired important conversations about fairness and social justice. However, its arguments are not without flaws, particularly regarding the robustness of its data analysis and its assumptions about causality. While the book serves as a useful entry point for discussions about inequality, a more nuanced approach—one that considers alternative explanations and trade-offs—is necessary for formulating effective policy responses.

Ultimately, The Spirit Level raises important questions about the kind of society we want to create, but its conclusions should be scrutinized and supplemented with further empirical research before being translated into policy.