Inequalities
Articles tagged with Inequalities
Rising stroke rates highlight widening ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities across populations, major study finds
A new study found that stroke incidence is rising again, with higher rates in Black African and Black Caribbean populations, as well as those experiencing socioeconomic deprivation. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to prevent strokes and address systemic inequalities.
Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
Family socioeconomic position and eating disorder symptoms across adolescence
A cohort study found a higher prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that reducing population-level socioeconomic inequalities may aid in preventing eating disorders.
AI narrows the productivity gap
Researchers found that an AI app improved efficiency for low-skilled taxi drivers by 7%, while high-skilled drivers saw little benefit. The study suggests AI can help close skills gaps in various professions.
Segregation fuels faster spread of infectious diseases, study finds
A new computational model shows that structural inequalities, including wealth inequality and social segregation, accelerate the spread of infectious diseases through society. In a hypothetical 'ideal' scenario without segregation, infection rates were lower in most metropolitan areas.
Legacy of ‘inequality and deprivation’ in former coal mining communities
A new report examines the long-term impact of coal industry loss on UK communities, finding entrenched inequalities and poverty. Researchers call for a 'just transition' with investment in public services, securing employment rights, and quality jobs to address social inclusion.
New era of aid cuts and conflict threatens educational lifeline of youngest learners
A new report warns of a sharp decline in pre-primary education aid, highlighting the scale of inequalities between rich and poor nations. The total aid spent on pre-primary education was the second highest since records began, but represented just 1.2% of global education aid.
Lebanon crisis driving parents to seek unregulated “shadow” education, study shows
The study highlights the growing reliance on unregulated private tutoring in Lebanon, driven by government neglect of public education. This is particularly affecting disadvantaged families who are forced to sacrifice their children's well-being to secure their future opportunities.
New archaeological database reveals links between housing and inequality in ancient world
A groundbreaking database of over 55,000 housing measurements from around the globe supports research on correlations between housing size and inequality. The study examines patterns of inequality and their social consequences in human society.
New analysis of archaeological data reveals how agriculture and governance have shaped wealth inequality
A new study led by Amy Bogaard found that high wealth inequality emerged in regions with land-intensive farming systems, where a small number of households controlled productive land. In contrast, societies with more equitable governance practices avoided extreme wealth inequality.
New study reveals wealth inequality’s deep roots in human prehistory
A new study led by Washington State University archaeologist Tim Kohler challenges traditional views that disparities in wealth emerged suddenly with large civilizations. The research found that wealth inequality started to increase roughly 1,500 years after the advent of agriculture, driven by population growth and competition for land.
Archaeologists discover historical link between inequality and sustainability
A study by Durham University found that unequal distributions of wealth correlated with longer-term human settlement over the last 10,000 years. However, this relationship was not causal, suggesting that humankind's survival is not linked to ever-increasing inequality.
Study highlights role of social workers in addressing marginalized communities bearing brunt of climate disasters
A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...
Gender inequity in institutional leadership roles in US academic medical centers
A systematic scoping review reveals substantial inequities in gender representation among US academic medical center leaders. Despite female-dominated specialties, women are largely excluded from leadership positions across various niches of academic medicine.
Household electricity three times more expensive than upcoming ‘eco-friendly’ aviation e-fuels, study reveals
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
People from disadvantaged backgrounds have COVID-19 symptoms for longer
Research from King's College London reveals that social factors such as education level and financial stability influence the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 3,800 participants across two UK cohorts, finding that those with fewer advantages were more likely to experience ongoing symptoms.
Spanish politicians respond less to women's demands than to those of men according to a UC3M and CSIC study
A study by UC3M and CSIC found that Spanish politicians respond less to women's demands compared to men's, with a significant gender gap in policy responsiveness. The research suggests that women's lower involvement in lobbying activities may be the primary cause of this disparity.
Social disadvantage can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk
A new study led by University College London researchers found that social disadvantages can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk. People with favourable socioeconomic conditions show fewer signs of biological ageing than peers of the same age.
Latin American intensivists denounce economic and cultural inequities in the global scientific publishing system
A study published in The Lancet highlights disparities and obstacles faced by low- and middle-income countries in gaining recognition for their scientific contributions. Researchers propose increasing visibility of journals from low- and middle-income countries, reducing publication fees, and ensuring a fairer peer-review process to fo...
Socioeconomic factors fuel global inequalities in Alzheimer's disease burden, study finds
A new study analyzing global data from 1990 to 2021 found significant cross-country disparities in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with approximately two-thirds of individuals living in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies in different countries.
Lebanon multidimensional crisis diminishing trust in public education and worsening inequality, study shows
A study by the University of Exeter finds that Lebanon's dual education system exacerbates social inequalities, with parents favoring private schools over public ones. The economic crisis has led to reduced government funding, causing school days to be shortened and curricula to be rushed.
Urban inequality scaling – Research indicates correlation between population size and elite wealth in urban spaces
A new study by the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology reveals striking quantitative similarities between ancient and modern cities regarding elite wealth concentration. As cities grow larger, elite wealth increases in a sublinear way, with diminishing returns on each increase in city size.
Equal distribution of wealth is bad for the climate
A new study finds that countries with large economic and political disparities have lower emissions than more democratic nations. Increased consumption leads to higher emissions in societies with greater equality. Technological changes are needed to mitigate climate issues.
Burning plastic for cooking and heating an emerging crisis, study finds
Researchers found urban sprawl and poor waste management led to an abundance of plastic waste. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals, posing health risks to women and children. The issue affects millions in cities struggling with basic services.
Tracking U.S. health care spending by health condition and county
A new study tracks US health care spending by health condition and county, revealing broad variation in spending patterns. The research highlights the need to identify outliers and assess healthcare gaps, particularly in regions with high inequalities in healthcare access.
Critical gaps in research hinder breast cancer screening for Black women
A new review study found significant gaps in existing research on breast cancer within the Black community and barriers preventing eligible but non-participating women from screenings. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive research to address emotional and psycho-social barriers faced by Black women.
Wealth gap fuels health inequality for over 50s: new study reveals lifestyle divide and depression link
A new study reveals a stark wealth divide in physical activity and diet among older adults, with those in lower-income groups experiencing higher rates of depression. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are linked to lower depression risk, highlighting the need for urgent action to address health disparities.
Gender equality is crucial for a climate resilient future
A new IIASA study highlights the importance of equal access to education, jobs, and financial services for effective implementation of climate change mitigation solutions. The findings emphasize that understanding trajectories of gender equality is integral to understanding societies' development pathways under climate change.
AI boosts employee work experiences
A new study found that AI assistance increases worker productivity by 15% in customer service sectors, with significant improvements in speed and quality for less-experienced employees. However, its impact is minimal on higher-skilled workers, while adherence to AI recommendations leads to larger gains in productivity.
Big cities fuel inequality
A study reveals that large cities have ceased to be centers of upward social and economic mobility, with population density and connectedness associated with reduced intergenerational mobility. Urban expansion has also led to decreased average social capital, contributing to growing inequality within and across generations.
National and gender differences in exclusionary behavior
A study of 1,485 participants across 14 countries reveals significant national and gender differences in exclusionary behavior. Men and ideologically right-wing participants are more likely to propose unequal splits.
Rethinking altruistic punishment: New experimental insights
Researchers investigated how people decide to confront or avoid unfair behavior, revealing that avoidance is driven by both not wanting to witness inequality and a desire to avoid confrontation. Even those who tend to avoid unfairness will hand out punishment if forced to observe such behavior.
Child mortality has risen since pandemic, new study shows
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that child mortality in England has increased since the pandemic lifted, with a temporary decrease in deaths during lockdowns. The research found that children from non-white backgrounds faced higher rates of death compared to white children, highlighting existing healthcare inequalities.
Women are less likely to get a lung transplant than men and they spend six weeks longer on the waiting list
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that women are less likely to receive a lung transplant and wait an average of six weeks longer for one. Despite this, women who undergo transplantation have higher survival rates five years post-transplant.
Societal inequality linked to reduced brain health in aging and dementia
A new study reveals a direct link between structural inequality and changes in brain structure and connectivity associated with aging and dementia. Higher levels of inequality are linked to reduced brain volume and disrupted connectivity, especially in temporo-posterior and cerebellar regions essential for memory and cognitive function.
New study reveals economic burden of tooth decay is highest in deprived groups
A new study reveals that targeted preventative measures can significantly reduce the economic burden of tooth decay, particularly in deprived groups. The research estimates that implementing upstream and downstream interventions could save £14,000 per person in the most deprived group.
Inequality weakens local governance and public satisfaction, study finds
A recent study found that socioeconomic inequalities trap local governments in a cycle of limited resources, rising inequality, and declining capacity to meet citizens' needs. Strategic, targeted interventions are necessary to break the cycle of inequality and enhance public satisfaction with local governance.
Health and wellbeing should be at the centre of housing strategy to save lives
A new UCL Institute of Health Equity report emphasizes the crucial role of housing in determining long-term health and longevity. It proposes a new way forward for the property sector and national governments to focus on health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability in home building and maintenance.
ERC Consolidator Grant: 4 million euros to Bielefeld sociologists
Professor Minh Nguyen and Professor Carsten Sauer have received ERC Consolidator Grants to investigate financialization in Asia and gender-based wage differentials in Europe. Their projects aim to understand the impact of financial markets on working lives and labor market practices.
New study provides a picture of preconception health across three generations in the UK
A new UK study analyzed data from three generations of adolescents and young adults to assess preconception health trends. The study found that while some unhealthy behaviors like smoking and soda consumption decreased over time, rates of overweight and obesity increased across the generations.
Climate and Economy: Even less extreme but more frequent weather events, such as thunderstorms, have significant and lasting impacts that can exacerbate inequalities. Labor incomes are among the most affected
Researchers analyzed over 200,000 US weather events between 1991 and 2019 to find that wages experience persistent losses while incomes recover gradually. The poorest counties suffer more severe losses, highlighting the need for public intervention and adaptation policies.
Family income predicts adult problems more than neighborhood poverty
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income is a stronger predictor of several major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The study also found that family income has a more consistent impact on health outcomes across different neighborhood groups.
Closing the green space gap: Addressing gender inequality in nature access
New research from the University of Surrey suggests that women and gender minorities encounter unique challenges in utilizing urban green spaces, which can limit their mental health benefits. These obstacles include safety concerns, inadequate facilities, social norms, and discrimination.
War in Lebanon has turned a decade of education crisis into a catastrophe - report
A new report warns that the recent conflict in Lebanon has deepened a national education crisis, with children losing up to 60% of school time over the past six years. The study found that refugee children and students with disabilities face the greatest risk of missing out further due to uneven effects of violence.
Trends in outpatient psychotherapy among adults in the US
The study highlights growing disparities in teletherapy access among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Outpatient psychotherapy use has increased significantly among several socioeconomically advantaged groups.
Math-selective US universities reduce gender gap in STEM fields
The most selective US universities have nearly closed the gender gap in physics, engineering, and computer science degrees, while less selective institutions have seen it widen. Women's representation in these fields is approaching parity at highly selective universities.
Gender inequality ingrained in global climate negotiations, say researchers
Climate change exacerbates systemic inequalities, particularly for women, girls, and gender minorities. Researchers call for greater inclusion of their voices in climate governance discussions to address disproportionate health impacts and promote gender equity.
Downward mobility from top backgrounds even rarer than previously thought
Research from the University of Kent finds that social mobility in the UK is limited, with only a tiny fraction of children from top backgrounds ending up in working class occupations. The study also highlights pronounced gender differences, with women often inheriting their parents' social status but not financial advantage.
How limiting new fast-food outlets may reduce childhood obesity
Research from Lancaster University found that restricting new fast-food outlets led to fewer overweight and obese children in Gateshead, England. The policy resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in childhood obesity prevalence in deprived areas.
A national indicator for a just energy transition
The Energy Transition Vulnerability Index (ETVI) measures a nation's susceptibility to adverse effects of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Countries in the Global South face greater challenges than those in the Global North, with global vulnerability decreasing but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing climate change and inequality: A win-win policy solution
A new study published in Nature Climate Change examines the distributional impacts of climate policies and climate risks. Implementing ambitious climate policies can reduce inequality by redistributing carbon revenues, lowering the Gini index by nearly 2 points.
Use of the term “postcode lottery” has changed dramatically over time – and means different things to different people, study shows
Researchers found the phrase has broadened to include regional inequalities in state services and poverty, with varying meanings for different people. The study, carried out by Grace Redhead and Rebecca Lynch, highlights the complex causes of regional inequality in health and healthcare.
Water fluoridation less effective now than in past
A recent Cochrane review has found that the dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water may be smaller now than before fluoride toothpaste was widely available. The review analyzed data from over 2,900 children in the UK and Australia, estimating a slight reduction in tooth decay, but with significant uncertainty.
Environmental quality of life benefits women worldwide
A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.
The gender gap in physics has been stable for more than a century. Here’s why
A study reveals that the gender gap in physics has remained stable for over a century due to established scientists' adoption patterns and network inclusion. The gap can be closed by adjusting parameters, but interventions such as funding and promotion opportunities are more challenging.
Aversion to inequality drives support for redistribution
Researchers found that people's dislike of both advantageous and disadvantageous inequality influences their support for redistribution policies. Those who strongly dislike both types of inequality are more likely to support policies aimed at reducing income gaps.
Self-reporting of health may lead to underestimation of health inequalities in England
A study analyzing data from the Health Survey for England found that people living in areas of high deprivation are likely to have worse health than those in less deprived areas, even when reporting their own health as 'poor'. This could lead to underestimation of health inequalities and inaccurate allocation of resources.
15-minute city: Why time shouldn’t be the only factor in future city planning
A new metric assesses cities globally, uncovering significant inequalities in access to services. The research team developed a relocation algorithm to understand how to increase accessibility and reduce inequality in urban areas.
Personal carbon footprint of the rich is vastly underestimated by rich and poor alike, study finds
A recent study found that both the rich and poor significantly overestimate or underestimate each other's carbon footprints, highlighting a profound inequality. The researchers surveyed 4,000 people from four countries and discovered that those in the top 10% tended to support climate policies, possibly due to higher education levels.