Richard Wilkinson is professor of social epidemiology (that's the distribution of disease within a society, in case you were wondering!). His book, The Spirit Level has caused quite a stir, because he believes he's answered a very long-standing question. Why are we increasingly blighted by so many social problems when we're materially better off than we've ever been? Tune in to find out the answer!  “People have misunderstood the importance of inequality for a long time. They’ve thought of it as mattering only if it creates poverty. People think poverty is the only thing that matters, but actually what inequality does is create feelings of superiority and inferiority – it strengthens the effects of ‘social hierarchy.” - Richard Wilkinson Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

Released on 23 May 2014