bub_9's review against another edition
3.0
This builds on the authors' earlier collaboration, The Spirit Level, and while this isn't quite as insightful, is thoughtful in exploring the effects of equality on our mental health on both personal and societal levels. A little over-optimistic about solutions, I thought (this is the other side of the coin when it comes to non-doomsday-esque works about inequality). But, I do like the link to sustainability and quality of life.
I do think, though, that both this work and its predecessor suffer from an excessive emphasis on developed countries, of course reflecting the target audience and message, but this is something Piketty, for instance, manages to avoid very well because his is a more generalised theory of inequality.
I do think, though, that both this work and its predecessor suffer from an excessive emphasis on developed countries, of course reflecting the target audience and message, but this is something Piketty, for instance, manages to avoid very well because his is a more generalised theory of inequality.
leakey's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
Important, relevant and compelling. I'm glad to have read this.
nategadzhi's review
5.0
A great book on how class inequality affects our social and private lives, happiness, emotions, and mental health. Loved the level of detail and the amount of data and linked studies provided — it makes The Inner Level a very interesting read, and a new (to me) way to think about equality, reasons and ways to reduce consumerism, and progressive policies in general.
valeria7's review
5.0
Without a doubt one of the most insightful and important books to read if you wish to understand (and hopefully tackle) the most common and pressing issues faced in the 21st century. It synthesises research from psychology, medicine, anthropology, history, economics, politics, and public health to display how deeply and unavoidably income inequality hurts societies on every level imaginable and offers intelligent and necessary solutions. My only criticism would be that the writing style is repetitive at times, although this does make the book more accessible.
unionmack's review
4.0
As the global economy stratifies into haves and have nots even further, the research and insight provided by this book are more necessary than ever. It’s hard to even imagine a counter argument to everything presented by the authors here; they’re so thorough in a relatively small amount of pages comparatively. More equal societies improve individual wellbeing by nearly every metric. One can only hope we will finally heed their advice over here in the States.