In her compelling new publication, *The Good Society*, renowned social epidemiologist Kate Pickett presents a thought-provoking examination of the growing inequality crisis in the UK. Drawing on extensive research, she warns that the current trajectory is unsustainable and advocates for transformative change to foster a more equitable and less stressed society.
Unpacking the Inequality Crisis
Pickett, who gained international acclaim with her co-authored work *The Spirit Level*, highlights troubling statistics that underscore the urgent need for reform. For instance, she notes that preventive spending for families has plummeted by 25% between 2011 and the onset of the pandemic. Alarmingly, she shares that nearly half of the children born in Liverpool during 2009 and 2010 had been referred to children’s services by the time they reached five years old. Moreover, local authorities in England are currently able to provide only 6% of the childcare places needed for children with disabilities, a statistic she emphasises as particularly shocking.
In *The Good Society*, Pickett synthesises a wealth of existing research covering various sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and the justice system, ultimately presenting a grim picture. Yet, she does not merely dwell on the negatives; the latter part of her book is dedicated to proposing significant solutions aimed at addressing these systemic issues.
The Case for Bold Proposals
Pickett argues against half-measures, asserting that incremental changes are insufficient to tackle the multifaceted crises we face. “We can’t afford to nibble at the edges of the climate crisis or the crisis in care; we need wholesale change,” she asserts. This call to action is not without its risks. She acknowledges that voicing such ambitious ideas can feel daunting, especially in a climate where many are entrenched in the belief that the current system is unchangeable.
Her conviction stems from the recognition that our society has become complacent, often viewing the neoliberal status quo as the only viable path. “We’ve fallen out of the habit of thinking that we can choose to do what it takes to create the best society possible,” she reflects, highlighting the pervasive sense of stagnation in public discourse.
Shifting the Narrative
Central to Pickett’s argument is the need to shift focus from individual responsibility to societal context. While personal choices are undoubtedly important, she contends that they are often made within frameworks that can either facilitate or hinder healthy living and social cohesion. “Yes, ultimately, it’s me who needs to make healthy choices,” she states, “but what about the context that supports those choices?”
Pickett’s insights extend beyond the UK, as she compares the nation’s struggles with examples from abroad. Brazil’s participatory budgeting and the Netherlands’ reduction of the working week are just two illustrations of how different approaches can yield positive outcomes. She expresses frustration at the UK’s failure to adopt similar progressive strategies, suggesting that other countries’ successes serve as blueprints for potential transformations.
A Vision for Change
The evidence presented in *The Good Society* is unassailable: chronic stress due to inequality imposes a heavy burden on society, and adverse childhood experiences lead to a cascade of negative outcomes. To combat these issues, Pickett advocates for a universal basic income, participatory budgeting, and the establishment of a National Care Service akin to the NHS. She also calls for a National Institute for Social Change to assess and implement effective social policies.
In her view, a society should be nurtured like a child; by prioritising the wellbeing of the youngest and most vulnerable, we can cultivate a thriving population. “Why wouldn’t we want a nanny state?” she asks. “A nanny looks after you and nurtures you. That’s what we should be aiming for.”
Why it Matters
Kate Pickett’s *The Good Society* serves as a clarion call for a comprehensive reevaluation of how we structure our society. It is a vital reminder that the challenges we face are not insurmountable if we dare to imagine a different future and take collective action to realise it. By advocating for systemic reform and highlighting the importance of community-driven support, Pickett inspires a sense of hope and agency that is essential for fostering a fairer, healthier society for all.
