The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone was published in 2009. Written by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, the book highlights the "pernicious effects that inequality has on societies: eroding trust, increasing anxiety and illness, (and) encouraging excessive consumption". It shows that for each of eleven different health and social problems: physical health, mental health, drug abuse, education, imprisonment, obesity, social mobility, trust and community life, violence, teenage pregnancies, and child well-being, outcomes are significantly worse in more unequal rich countries.

As of September 2012, the book had sold more than 150,000 copies in English. It is available in 23 foreign editions.

Frequently asked questions about the book.

Health

Physical Health

Mental Health

Drug Abuse

Obesity

Children and Social Mobility

Child Well-being

Education

Teenage Births

Social Mobility

Sustainability and Development

Global Warming

Foreign Aid and Global Peace Index

Crime

Imprisonment

Violence

Powerpoint Slides

You can download a collection of Powerpoint slides regarding The Spirit Level here.