A Nature meta‑analysis of 168 multilevel studies (≈11.4M people) finds no universal negative effect of area‑level economic inequality on subjective well‑being or mental health after publication‑bias correction, but detects harms concentrated in low‑income samples and in high‑inflation contexts (replicated in Gallup data). This implies heterogeneity: inequality matters for psychological outcomes mainly when economic fragility or macro instability magnify relative deprivation.
— If true, policy should shift from blanket anti‑inequality narratives to targeted support for vulnerable populations and macro stabilization, changing priorities for public‑health, social spending, and messaging.
Jerusalem Demsas
2025.12.01
72% relevant
The article’s core claim—that inequality’s harms are overstated—connects to evidence that inequality’s effects are heterogeneous and context‑dependent (e.g., harms concentrated under specific conditions), suggesting Kenworthy is staking a similar empirical moderation claim.
Tyler Cowen
2025.12.01
100% relevant
Sommet et al., Nature meta‑analysis (168 studies, 11,389,871 participants; publication‑bias correction; ROBINS‑E/GRADE quality assessment; Gallup World Poll replication).
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