Some people believe that the best way to produce a happier society is to ensure that there are only small differences between the richest and the poorest members. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
ESSAY #211 FROM OUR BOOK
Some individuals are of the opinion that the most effective way to bring about a satisfied society would be to narrow the wealth inequality. I believe that increasing wealth inequality is the main reason for dissatisfaction in society and governments must take steps to reduce it.
The main reason why I think wealth inequality makes people unhappy is that it makes them feel that people are rich because of unfair means. In effect, the rising wealth gap leads to the feeling that those at the top are there because of their connections and not because of their hard work. Therefore, if governments come up with policies for wealth redistribution like higher taxes for the wealthy and subsidies for the poor, it reduces this feeling of unfairness and thereby increases happiness.
Secondly, unhappiness is created that when those at the bottom are struggling for even the basic necessities and those at the top are spending millions on luxuries. In other words, happiness can be created when everyone can enjoy a decent life with basic necessities like clean drinking water, electricity, housing, healthcare and education. The only way governments can ensure this is through equal distribution of wealth.
Finally, if the wealth gap is considerably large, it creates the feeling for the people that reaching the top levels is nearly impossible. In other words, not only the poor but also the middle class become less hopeful regarding upward mobility. This leads to feelings of jealousy and a negative attitude towards those at the top. For example, there are more thefts and house burglaries in rich localities near poor neighbourhoods. So, wealth redistribution would reduce crime and lead to more peace and harmony in the society.
To sum up, there is no doubt that rising economic inequality can be pernicious and damaging for society and governments must take measures to address it.
