Prosocial behavior and happiness
A study of 591 people reveals that prosocial choices initially increase happiness, but this effect is reversed after a month. The findings suggest that prosociality may not always lead to increased happiness.
Inequalities
Articles tagged with Inequalities
Can we trust AI not to further embed racial health inequalities?
Growing concern that AI may exacerbate existing health disparities due to biased data, particularly in skin color recognition for melanoma detection. Experts warn that market incentives alone cannot overcome historical gaps in medical research for ethnic minority groups.
Those who believe that the economic system is fair are less troubled by poverty, homelessness, and extreme wealth
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that individuals who believe in a fair economic system exhibit reduced negative emotions when confronted with poverty, homelessness, or extreme wealth. The research suggests that system-justifying beliefs buffer against aversion to inequality, allowing people to better cope with e...
Openly acknowledging social inequalities
A multinational study by University of Zurich researchers found that members of disadvantaged groups are less likely to support social change when interacting with privileged groups, but more willing to work in solidarity. The study suggests that actively acknowledging structural inequalities can prevent perpetuation of group disparities.
Effects of contact between minority and majority groups more complex than once believed
A recent study found that positive effects of intergroup contact tend to be weaker among members of historically advantaged groups, such as white people and heterosexuals. However, when members of these groups engage in contact with disadvantaged groups, they are more likely to support social change promoting equality.
Health of poor Brits worse than that of those born a century ago
A large study of over 200,000 working-age people found that the self-reported health of poor Brits is worse than that of people born a century ago. The gap in health has widened between the richest and poorest, with those from lower-income households more likely to have long-term conditions and poor general health.
Findings on education, malnutrition 'deeply disturbing'
A new study maps education and child malnutrition across all low- and middle-income countries at the individual district level. The findings show that gender inequality in education persists, with men achieving more years of education than women overall.
Socioeconomic inequalities are decisive in the health of the elderly
A Spanish study reveals socioeconomic inequalities have a profound effect on the health of the elderly population. Educational attainment and past occupations are key factors in these disparities. Higher educational attainment and adequate pensions may help reduce inequality.
Different approaches to 'zero-sum' thinking, contribute to political divide
A study found that zero-sum thinking fuels political divisions in the US, with conservatives viewing policies as threats and liberals as opportunities. The research suggests that framing policies to emphasize or challenge the status quo can increase bipartisan support.
How to measure inequality as 'experienced difference'
Economists propose a novel approach to measuring inequality, accounting for individual relationships and social interactions. The new method correctly calculates the Gini coefficient by considering differences between individuals' wealth, not just individual values.
Paper: Outcomes vary for workers who 'lawyer up' in employment arbitration disputes
A new paper by J. Ryan Lamare found that hiring a lawyer in arbitration doesn't guarantee better outcomes for employees, as employers can also hire lawyers to counteract positive effects
Tackling inequality could save millions of children
A recent study mapping child deaths over two decades finds that nearly half of the 5.4 million under-5 deaths in 2017 were due to differences between countries and districts. The research, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, highlights health disparities within countries and regions.
Ancient DNA reveals social inequality in bronze age Europe households
Research using ancient DNA from German farmsteads (2750 BCE to 1300 BCE) identified a complex family structure and kinship-based social hierarchy, with females often marrying nonlocal men. Wealth and status were inherited by offspring, suggesting social status was passed down through generations.
Black and ethnic minority people face inequality in diabetes treatment
Research found black individuals were 50% less likely than white individuals to be prescribed newer medications for Type 2 diabetes. Monitoring of patients' conditions was also lower among ethnic minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
High wealth inequality linked with greater support for populist leaders
A large-scale international study found that people in economically unequal societies are more supportive of strong, even autocratic leaders. The researchers suggest that economic inequality perceptions fuel a desire for a leader who will restore order by whatever means necessary.
Disparities persist in early kidney transplantation despite policy changes
A recent analysis reveals persistent disparities in preemptive kidney transplantation, with Black and Hispanic patients and those on Medicare facing reduced access. The 2014 Kidney Allocation System may have exacerbated some inequalities for these groups.
Scientists find ways to improve cassava, a 'crop of inequality' featured at Goalkeepers
A recent study published in New Phytologist identified opportunities to boost cassava yields by optimizing photosynthesis. Researchers found that cassava's stomata limit photosynthesis during light transitions, and increasing the speed of these pores could increase yield potential by up to 6%.
Inequality: What we've learned from the 'Robots of the late Neolithic'
The adoption of ox-drawn plows led to a decoupling of wealth from labor, driving growing economic disparities between landowners and land-poor families. This transformation made land more valuable and labor less so, ultimately resulting in substantial wealth inequalities.
Misperceptions about racial economic progress are pervasive
A national survey of over 1,000 adults reveals widespread misperceptions about racial economic progress, with 97% of participants underestimating the Black-White wealth gap. The researchers argue that cognitive factors and stereotypes contribute to these misperceptions.
Too much inequality impedes support for public goods
Research found that high inequality reduces willingness to cooperate in groups, but some inequality can help ensure everyone contributes to the public good. The study suggests policy-makers should consider the optimal level of inequality when funding public goods and services.
Quantum entanglement in chemical reactions? Now there's a way to find out
Scientists have developed a practical method to measure entanglement in chemical reactions, which could lead to breakthroughs in designing better solar energy systems and understanding the fundamental principles of chemistry. The study generalized Bell's inequality to include continuous measurements, validating its application in chemi...
Win or lose: Rigged card game sheds light on inequality, fairness
A rigged card game was used to study how people perceive inequality and fairness. The study found that winners were more likely to believe the game's outcome was fair, even when it was heavily tilted in their favor.
Big city growth escalates the urban-rural divide
A new study challenges the long-held assumption that cities grow in parallel, revealing a widening urban-rural divide and increased regional inequality. The research uses Swedish population registers to analyze city growth trajectories, finding that smaller cities face significant economic shocks and structural changes.
Indigenous oral health inequalities begin in childhood: A multi-country study
A multi-country study found that Indigenous children experience poorer oral health compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts worldwide. The study assessed oral health indicators in Brazilian, New Zealand and Australian children, aged 5-15 years old, revealing significant inequalities.
Growing life expectancy inequality in US cannot be blamed on opioids alone
A University of Michigan study challenges the notion that growing life expectancy inequality is driven by opioid use. The research suggests that deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancers are main reasons for the widening gap among less-educated Americans.
The Neolithic precedents of gender inequality
The study analyzed life conditions, demographic aspects, funerary practices and genetic data to conclude that male domination emerged in later periods. Archaeological evidence suggests men's association with violence and force played a key role in shaping social complexity.
NHS-funded private sector hip operations worsening health inequality
Researchers found that private sector hip operations on NHS patients from affluent areas increased by 288%, compared to a 186% increase among patients from low-income areas. The study concludes that continued outsourcing to the private sector will worsen health inequalities.
Structural sexism: FSU researcher offers new perspective on gender and health inequality
A new study by FSU Assistant Professor Patricia Homan found that living in a state with high levels of structural sexism worsens health outcomes for both men and women, with chronic conditions and poor physical function on the rise. States with lower levels of sexism, such as Maryland and California, had better health profiles.
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds do less vigorous physical activity
Research found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, engage in less vigorous physical activity compared to their more advantaged peers. The study suggests that promoting vigorous physical activity can help reduce childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
Structural inequalities and implicit bias
A study found that US counties with high slave populations in 1860 display higher pro-White bias among White residents and lower bias among Black residents. Structural inequalities, such as poverty and neighborhood segregation, also correlate with implicit bias.
Professor Anu Masso: e-residency contributes to the reproduction of digital inequalities
The Estonian e-residency program mainly benefits citizens from digitally advanced countries, while those from less developed countries apply for practical reasons. The study highlights the need for further analysis on the potential digital divides and inequalities related to e-residency
Some LGBT employees feel less supported at federal agencies
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that LGBT employees report worse job experiences, less respect from supervisors, and lower job satisfaction compared to their non-LGBT colleagues. Racial/ethnic minority LGBT respondents also face additional challenges.
Electoral regulations must tackle 'inequalities' caused by political advertising on Facebook
A new study suggests that Facebook algorithms can lead to different results from the same advertising spend, creating new inequalities in online campaigning. Researchers argue that existing regulations need to be updated to capture the true extent of political spending on social media platforms.
Television programming for children reveals systematic gender inequality
Research reveals that American TV shows geared towards children aged 2-12 feature predominantly male characters, with 64% of males dominating the screen. Female human characters are more racially diverse, while non-human characters are almost exclusively male.
Economic inequality, income, and generosity
Researchers analyzed donating behaviors and found that lower income levels do not lead to increased generosity in regions with high economic inequality. The study contradicts previous findings that individuals with lower incomes are more charitable than those with higher incomes.
Inequality gap grew before the Great Recession and after, study finds
A study found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status faced more severe financial hardships during the Great Recession, including loss of a home or bankruptcy. The researchers also discovered widening socioeconomic disparities in economic distress, even before the recession occurred.
Economic inequality and global warming
A new study reveals a strong connection between global warming and rising economic disparities worldwide. The research, led by Noah S. Diffenbaugh and Marshall Burke, suggests that long-term climate change has decreased economic growth in poor countries while increasing it in wealthy nations.
Female farmers and extension workers should lead in reducing gender inequality in agriculture
A CABI-led study found that women face unequal access to agricultural advisory services, hindering their contribution to farming. The research proposes training female extension workers as 'lead contact' farmers to improve information dissemination and reduce gender inequalities.
The income gap, growing
A recent study by Robert Manduca at Harvard University reveals that income inequality is a major driver of the growing income gap between different regions in the United States. The study shows that over the past forty years, the number of people living in communities at the extreme ends of the income scale has increased three-fold, wi...
Study examines racial segregation, inequality of care in NICUs
The study found significant racial segregation and inequality in NICU care for very low-birth-weight and preterm infants. Researchers identified sociodemographic factors, hospital quality, access, and choice as key contributors to these disparities.
New Labour's policies reduced geographical inequalities in infant mortality rates
Research by the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds, York, and Liverpool found that New Labour's policies narrowed the gap in infant mortality rates between English local authorities between 1999-2010. However, the trend was reversed since 2011 due to austerity measures.
Racial-ethnic inequity in air pollution
Air pollution exposure varies significantly among racial-ethnic groups in the US, with blacks and Hispanics facing higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) than their individual contributions to total PM2.5 exposure. Consumption patterns also play a crucial role in determining these disparities.
Inequality promotes deforestation in Latin America
A new study by Graziano Ceddia reveals that greater inequality increases deforestation in Latin America, while less inequality better protects forests. Increasing agricultural productivity can help reduce pressure on remaining forests, but it also incentivizes the conversion of more forests to cropland.
Physicists experimentally verify the multipartite generalized Hardy's paradox
Researchers have experimentally verified the three- and four-party generalized Hardy's paradox, confirming Bell nonlocality with theoretical predictions. The experimental results align with previous findings, providing insights into quantum mechanics.
New measure of equality reveals a fuller picture of male well-being
A new measurement tool, BIGI, provides a simplified but more accurate picture of gender inequality, focusing on educational opportunities, healthy life expectancy, and overall life satisfaction. Men are on average more disadvantaged than women in 91 countries, while women have a relative disadvantage in 43 countries.
'Job readiness' more important to UK employers than academic credentials
A new study challenges traditional theories that higher education determines job success in the UK. Employers focus on job readiness, highlighting social qualifications, specific skills, and cognitive abilities. This shift suggests employers seek marketable skills with immediate value to reduce training costs and enhance productivity.
Inequality in homicide rates in Chicago neighborhoods increased over 20-year period
Despite a decline in overall crime rates, Chicago's safest neighborhoods experienced a greater decrease in crime, leading to an increase in relative inequality. The city's violent crime rate remains higher than other major cities, highlighting the need for targeted violence-prevention policies.
Extreme ethnic inequalities in the care system
Research reveals extreme ethnic inequalities in the care system, with disparities affecting children from minority ethnic groups. The study found that 'White British' children are ten times more likely to be in care than 'Asian Indian' children, and 'Black Caribbean' children are 20 times more likely.
Complex systems help explain how democracy is destabilised
Economic inequality and political divergence can lead to instability in democracies. Social media algorithms also play a role in distorting public opinion and creating false consensus effects. The researchers argue that a better understanding of complex systems is needed to preserve democratic institutions.
New measure for the wellbeing of populations could replace Human Development Index
A new index, Human Life Indicator (HLI), measures human wellbeing by considering years of life, similar to life expectancy at birth. The HLI can distinguish between populations with varying lifespans and may provide a more accurate assessment of human development than the Human Development Index.
Take a lot of sick days? Who you know and where you live might be partly to blame
New research found that accessing high-status social contacts can have a negative impact on health, particularly in societies with high economic inequality. In the US and China, being connected to higher-status individuals led to more health disruptions, unlike in Taiwan where low inequality led to healthier outcomes.
Gender inequality could be driving the deaths of girls under 5
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that countries with higher levels of gender inequality have a disproportionate number of female child deaths. Girls in these societies face unequal access to healthcare and are more likely to be at risk of mortality due to their sex.
Income mobility and life expectancy inequality
Researchers found that ignoring income mobility exaggerates life expectancy inequality, leading to a half-life reduction in the difference between income percentiles. The study suggests that accounting for mobility provides a more accurate measure of inequality.
IRL rich people don't live that much longer than the poor
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that income mobility reduces life expectancy gap between rich and poor. Accounting for social mobility, the difference in life expectancy is around 2-3 years, not 5-6 years as previously thought.
New study examines Brexit's effect on 'Sugar Tax' and coronary heart disease
A new study examines the potential effects of Brexit on the UK's Sugar Tax and coronary heart disease mortality. The research suggests that the SSB levy would increase prices by approximately 38%, leading to a 26% decrease in SSB intake, and prevent around 370 CHD deaths.
Muscular men prefer an unequal society
A study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that men's political attitudes towards inequality are influenced by their physical strength, not logic or reason. The results suggest that strong men are more likely to support unequal societies, as it aligns with their instinctual desire for status and resource control.
Excellence funding for Inequality and Collective Behaviour cluster initiatives in Konstanz
The University of Konstanz has been awarded Excellence funding for two of its three cluster initiatives, including the Politics of Inequality: Perceptions, Participation and Policies and the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour. This success will enable the university to compete with top universities in Germany and sha...
Fewer children in social care in Northern Ireland than rest of UK, according to new report
A new report by University of Huddersfield researchers found that 35 children out of every 10,000 in Northern Ireland are in social care, compared to 52 in England, 62 in Wales, and 82 in Scotland. This difference is attributed to various factors, including policy, family circumstances, and community dynamics.
Study documents poor mental and physical health in rural borderland community members
A study on inequalities and health among foreign-born Latinos in rural borderland communities found that population is vulnerable to high stress negatively impacting mental and physical health. Historical factors such as oppression of farm labor and current practices like racial profiling contribute to low social status, employment ins...
Racial wealth inequality overlooked as cause of urban unrest, study says
A new study from Duke University reveals racial wealth inequality is a key contributor to urban unrest. The racial wealth gap has worsened over the past 50 years, with black and Latino households holding significantly less wealth than white households.