The Spirit Level
Keen readers of The Guardian and listeners to Radio 4 will have heard of Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s book The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always do Better, published this month (please also see the 6 March issue of The Friend)
The book’s message is that economic inequality is very harmful – damaging our health and our trust in one another, while increasing stress, violence, crime, over-consumption, obesity and almost every social ill. Britain comes out of international comparisons very badly, as one of the least equal and unhealthiest countries in the rich world. The exciting thing the research shows is that we can make things better – and how. Of course Quakers know about equality – one of the testimonies at the core of how we think of one another, how we worship, and how we live our lives. What the book does is back up that inspirational and religious understanding with the findings of decades of epidemiological research. Once we understand that, there are huge implications for our national politics and our own personal lives.
We need Friends’ ideas about how we can respond, and Friends’ support in making Britain a happier, healthier and safer society.
Martin Wilkinson, Richard’s brother and formerly QPSW Africa person, would like to visit Quaker meetings, bringing a DVD presentation of the research, and hoping to engage Friends in a lively exchange of ideas about these new insights.
Please contact Martin on 020 7263 4061 or via the form below to book a date.
Contact name: Martin Wilkinson