Index of Health and Social Problems

New Zealand has higher inequality and worse social problems than almost all other wealthy countries. The table below summarises the health and social impacts of inequality.

 

British academics Professor Richard Wilkinson and Professor Kate Pickett use 10 key indicators mapped against income inequality measures to compile an Index of Health and Social Problems.  Watch this video as Richard & Kate explain the evidence and read more about their work on the UK Equality Trust website.

The table shows that New Zealand fits the international pattern among developed countries – our high levels of income inequality are associated with poorer health and social outcomes across our whole population affecting those on the lowest incomes through to those earning the most. Reducing income inequalities would contribute to better outcomes for everyone.

What kind of impacts is high inequality having?

Mental health and additions	Obesity	Teenage pregnancies
Imprisonment	Trust	Homicide and violence
Social Mobility	Environmental sustainability	Education
Infant deaths	Infectious disease	Life Expectancy