Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #TheSpiritLevel
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Have you ever heard it said that wealthy countries should prioritise reducing #inequality over growing the economy?
The 2009 book #TheSpiritLevel makes perhaps the most influential argument for that position.
But it is badly flawed.
This thread explains why. 👇
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The 2009 book #TheSpiritLevel makes perhaps the most influential argument for that position.
But it is badly flawed.
This thread explains why. 👇
1/9
#TheSpiritLevel argues that income inequality leads to a range of bad social outcomes concerning life expectancy, obesity, mental health, homicide and child mortality.
They draw on data from 23 of the world's 50 richest countries to show convincing-looking correlations 👇
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They draw on data from 23 of the world's 50 richest countries to show convincing-looking correlations 👇
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But what about the missing 27?
The authors say some lacked data. But excluded countries like Korea and Czechia seem to have it in abundance.
Countries with pop <3m were left out "to avoid tax havens". But countries like Slovenia clearly can't be categorised in this way.
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The authors say some lacked data. But excluded countries like Korea and Czechia seem to have it in abundance.
Countries with pop <3m were left out "to avoid tax havens". But countries like Slovenia clearly can't be categorised in this way.
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