Income Inequality

Causes of excess deaths in the US compared with other high-income countries

Landmark study improves adolescent mental health in India’s urban slums

A scalable digital mental health care model and anti-stigma campaigns reduced depression, self-harm, and suicide risks among Indian adolescents. The ARTEMIS project reached over 70,000 adolescents and showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward mental health.

Money worries and job dissatisfaction drove Europe’s populist boom, research suggests

Research suggests that cost of living and male job dissatisfaction played a major role in Europe's populist surge. Financial insecurity emerged as the strongest predictor of an anti-elite outlook, increasing the chances of voting populist by 17-20 percentage points.

Highly and casually active citizen scientists contribute equally valuable data

A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.

Insurance churn and diabetes outcomes among patients with low income

A case-control study found that insurance churn is associated with poorer diabetes management, increased insulin use, and acute complications. Continuous insurance coverage for low-income diabetic patients may lower risk of costly preventable complications.

Racial disparities in food insecurity for high- and low-income households

A cross-sectional study documents persistent racial disparities in food insecurity over 23 years, with smaller disparities among SNAP-participating households. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address food insecurity and its intersectional effects.

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.

How well are international guidelines followed for certain medications for high-risk pregnancies?

A study found that international guidelines for preterm delivery are often not followed, leading to varying levels of exposure to life-saving medications. In high-income countries, there were significant discrepancies in the use of these treatments.

Access to dialysis facilities in socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged communities

The study found that increased community disadvantage leads to fewer options for receiving hemodialysis and more likelihood of living without nearby dialysis facilities. Patients with end-stage kidney disease in these areas have limited access to essential care services.

Study finds banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets

A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Left in the cold: Study finds most renters shut out of energy-saving upgrades

A study by Binghamton University reveals that most renters in the US are unable to access energy efficiency improvements, leading to higher heating costs and poorer health. The 'split incentive' issue, where landlords prioritize profits over upgrades, is a major barrier to change.

A meta-analysis published in Nature challenges the link between economic inequality and mental health

The study, which reviewed over 10,000 abstracts from ten international databases, found no statistically significant link between economic inequality and well-being or mental health. The researchers suggest that policies focusing solely on reducing economic inequality may not be effective in improving population mental health.

Infant brain development reflects families’ financial ability to meet everyday needs

A new study finds that infants' brain activity is influenced by their caregivers' reported income sufficiency, with delayed maturation seen in households where income was never adequate. The research suggests that policies strengthening families' basic needs during infancy may have lasting developmental benefits.

Here’s what determines whether your income level rises or falls

A study by Norwegian researchers found that labor income is key to upward mobility, while capital income often coincides with downward mobility. Employment income typically increases over time, whereas capital income is more unevenly distributed and prone to decline.

From labs to local tables: How research Is helping fight food insecurity

The Binghamton University Food Justice Working Group developed the Broome County Food Access Plan, enhancing nutrition resources and community education. The group also created a story map illustrating food insecurity in Broome County.

Subnational income inequality: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally

A new study maps three decades of income inequality data globally, revealing worsening trends for half the world's population but 'bright spots' in regions with effective policies. Regional efforts such as investments in public health and education in India and cash transfer programs in Brazil show promise in reducing inequality.

Trends in prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among children

The study found a positive shift in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S. children between 2016 and 2023, with an increase in individuals reporting 0 ACEs and a decrease in severe ACEs. This trend suggests a reduction in severe ACEs among specific racial and ethnic groups and low-income families.

Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock

A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.

Stillbirths in the United States

The study found that stillbirth rates are higher in low-income communities compared to more affluent areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health

Global trends and disparities in social isolation

A cross-sectional study found increased global social isolation, particularly in lower-income populations, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate high isolation levels and reduce inequities.

Bronx Program offering incentives to grocery shop online shows promise in increasing healthy purchases and reducing food insecurity

A new NYU study found that an online grocery shopping program increased household purchases of healthy foods and reduced food insecurity among low-income caregivers. The program provided incentives such as free delivery, text messages, and financial assistance to encourage participation.

Drought, extreme heat, and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries

A cross-sectional study of 42 countries found that drought conditions are associated with increased intimate partner violence risk. The study suggests a pressing need for initiatives to prevent domestic violence in response to climate change.

Sports clubs participation rises among Finnish youth

Participation in Finnish youth sports clubs has significantly increased since the 1980s, particularly among girls. However, rural areas and low-income families continue to face significant barriers to accessing sports opportunities due to rising costs and limited accessibility.

Parental incomes drop if their child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

A study by Uppsala University found that parents of children with type 1 diabetes experience a significant drop in work-related incomes, particularly mothers. The impact is most pronounced for mothers of children diagnosed in preschool years. Long-term effects show that pension-qualifying incomes gradually decrease over time.

Could the timing of food assistance payments affect crime rates?

A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that delaying the disbursement of food assistance payments can reduce robbery incidents by 0.03 per 100,000 population. The researchers estimate a potential crime reduction benefit of $2.7 million annually in the United States.

New study highlights how perceived economic inequality undermines individual well-being across 71 countries

A comprehensive new study examining data from 71 countries suggests that perceiving high levels of economic inequality significantly undermines individual well-being. The research demonstrates that awareness of economic disparity negatively affects overall well-being and widens the gap between current and desired feelings.

One in four Spaniards allocates most of their income to housing

A report by ICTA-UAB reveals that 40% of Spanish tenants spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with up to 28% experiencing energy poverty. The study highlights the need for coordinated reforms to address housing inequality and improve energy efficiency.

Pusan National University researchers reveal middle-class families hit hardest by South Korea's cost-of-living crisis

A new study by Pusan National University researchers found that middle- and upper-income households in South Korea are disproportionately affected by inflation, challenging conventional views. The study suggests that policy responses need to evolve to address the unique needs of different household types.

Pandemic-era child tax credit lowered anxiety and increased food security, stable housing among young children, but excluded many low-income, immigrant families

A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.

Study finds that foreign multinational firms engage in limited tax-motivated income shifting out of the United States

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University finds that foreign multinational firms shift a modest amount of income out of the US for tax reasons. This income shifting supports a modest amount of employment and investment in the US, with results informing the potential effects of upcoming tax bills.

Trends in past-month cannabis use among older adults

Prevalence of current cannabis use rose significantly among adults aged 65+, particularly those with higher incomes. Adults with initial lower cannabis use rates now exhibit the highest prevalence by 2023.

Majority of riders and drivers in UK 'gig economy' suffer anxiety over ratings and pay, study suggests

A study by the University of Cambridge found that two-thirds of UK gig economy riders and drivers experience anxiety over ratings and pay, with over half risking health and safety while working. The study also revealed that local workers spend an average of ten hours a week waiting for jobs to come through on the app.

Parents are not happier but have a greater sense of meaning in life

A study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that parenthood is associated with a greater sense of meaning in life, despite lower life satisfaction. The analysis of over 43,000 participants from 30 countries found that people who have children tend to feel their lives carry more value and worth.

Excess US deaths before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.

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.

Gender differences in primary care physician earnings and outcomes under Medicare Advantage value-based payment

Women primary care physicians demonstrate superior quality outcomes and higher value-based earnings compared to their male counterparts. This reversal may be attributed to fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations among women's patients, reflecting better alignment with female-dominated practice patterns.

First-generation and low-income students in the national medical student body

A decrease in first-generation students was found among U.S. medical student matriculants, with high risks of attrition due to intersectional factors. This study emphasizes the need for targeted recruitment and retention efforts to better reflect physician workforce diversity.

New research in JNCCN finds stark disparities in treatment and survival time for people with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.

Inequality destroys the benefits of positive economic growth for the poor

Research by Prof Nicholas Ngepah reveals that inequality cancels out the benefits of positive economic growth and social grants for people living in poverty, especially during economic downturns. In contrast, poor households experience more poverty reduction when the economy grows positively.

Despite high employment rates, Black immigrants in the United States more likely to be uninsured, USC study shows

A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.

Bipartisan state of the nation report reveals where US is excelling — and falling behind

The State of the Nation Project report reveals stark contrasts in the US's global standing, with strong economic performance but weaknesses in areas like mental health and civic engagement. The country excels in poverty reduction but struggles with income inequality, life satisfaction, and citizenship.

Cost-effectiveness of a polypill for cardiovascular disease prevention in an underserved population

A polypill containing a statin and three half-standard dose antihypertensives could significantly reduce health disparities in low-income, majority Black populations with limited access to healthcare. The study suggests that this treatment approach may be a high-value intervention for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Prevalence of post–COVID-19 condition and activity-limiting post–COVID-19 condition among adults

A recent study found that post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) affects approximately 8.4% of US adults, with significant differences observed across various demographic groups. Currently, 3.6% of adults have PCC, and a notable 2.3% experience activity-limiting PCC.

Income-related disparities in mortality among young adults with type 2 diabetes

A large cohort study found that young adults with type 2 diabetes ages 20-39 who had low incomes were more likely to die prematurely. The study highlights the need for socioeconomic support to address income-related health disparities among younger individuals.

People with fewer resources seen as less trustworthy across cultures, new research shows

A new study reveals that individuals with fewer material resources are consistently viewed as less trustworthy worldwide, including in diverse countries. The research highlights the importance of socioeconomic background in shaping stereotypes.

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.

People underestimate the income of the top 1%

A study found that people underestimates the income of the world's richest individuals, even as their share of national income increases. The authors suggest that this phenomenon, known as scope insensitivity, may contribute to the disparity.

Neighborhood food access in early life and trajectories of child BMI and obesity

Neighborhood food access in early life is strongly associated with child BMI and obesity trajectories. Residence in low-income areas with limited access to healthy food options increases the risk of severe obesity.

Air pollution exposure in infancy may limit economic mobility in adulthood

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy is associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood. The association was strongest in the Midwest and South, where an increase in PM2.5 exposure by one microgram per cubic meter was linked t...

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

Expanded child tax credit and food insecurity

A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.

Indian business owners from the stigmatized Dalit group experience a business income gap of around 16% compared to others

Research reveals a notable income disparity among Dalit business owners in India, attributed to social stigma and caste-based discrimination. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted initiatives to address this issue and promote economic equality.

Evaluating diet quality in community café meals for individuals facing food insecurity

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...

Perceptions of income inequality drive consumers’ interests in counterfeit luxury goods, study finds

A new study found that consumers value counterfeit luxury products for their 'egalitarian value', a sense of restoring equality in society. The research, involving over 2000 participants from Sweden and the US, suggests that perceived income inequality is a major driver behind people buying fake luxury items.

Even in ‘care work,’ women face lower wages if they have kids

A new study has found that mothers working in traditionally 'women's work' fields experience a significant wage penalty after becoming parents. Women without children earn up to 12% more than their mother counterparts, highlighting the persistence of patriarchal biases in the workplace.

Changing neighborhood income deprivation over time, moving in childhood, and adult risk of depression

A stable childhood home environment has been shown to have a protective association against adult depression. Policies supporting settled childhoods should be promoted to reduce adulthood depression risk.

Changes in health care and prescription medication affordability during the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.

Family conditions may have more of an impact on upward social mobility than gender inequality

A new study by Khanh Duong found that family conditions have a significant impact on upward social mobility, with parental dependency having the largest negative effect. Gender inequality also affects mobility, but its effect is smaller and decreasing across generations.

USPSTF Recommendation Statement on interventions for high BMI in children and adolescents

The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.

Income inequality and carbon dioxide emissions have a complex relationship

A new Drexel University study found that domestic income inequality unevenly impacts different emission components in wealthy nations. The research suggests that reducing income concentration at the top end of the distribution could synergistically reduce emissions, but might increase direct end-user emissions. Policies aiming to impro...