RISING SOCIAL INEQUALITY

SOCIAL INEQUALITY ON THE RISE EVEN IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

ITALY AND USA OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS

In contemporary society, progress is often measured through financial prosperity and health. However, the stark reality is that inequalities -in income, nutrition, and healthcare- have surged to levels reminiscent of the early 20th century. This unsettling trend contradicts the optimistic outlook fostered by technological advancements and challenges the utopian narrative propagated by certain "innovation professionals" (see Alf Rehn's book).

A recent study by Stefano Zapperi and Caterina La Porta delves into the glaring disparities between developed nations, specifically the United States and Italy. Despite both countries being affluent and industrialized, significant differences abound. Italy boasts public and universal healthcare, whereas the U.S. relies on a private and well-articulated social security system. There is a significant gap in individual wealth between the U.S. and Italy. Despite the United States flaunting a significantly higher GDP and a more pronounced individual wealth gap, Italy excels in public health, food security, and overall life expectancy.

This study underscores the intricate link between health inequalities and social and environmental factors. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face higher exposure to environmental hazards, inadequate housing, food scarcity, and limited access to safe recreational spaces. These conditions exacerbate health issues, perpetuating and amplifying social and environmental disparities.

Overall, the research reveals the interconnectedness of various forms of inequality and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mitigate disparities in wealth, health, and social mobility, especially in developed countries where these discrepancies are escalating.

Moreover, La Porta and Zapperi's study prompts us to reconsider our fixation on the GDP indicator. Instead, we should adopt a genuinely holistic perspective when discussing sustainability. The goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda should be viewed as illustrative samples within a coordinated, global framework rather than independent objectives. Focusing solely on a limited set of goals contradicts the essence of Agenda 2030 and hampers authentic sustainable development.

Lastly, the authors' recognition of the complexity arising from seemingly unrelated conditions demonstrates a remarkable interdisciplinary approach. Despite their backgrounds in hard sciences like physics, statistics, biosciences, and pathology, Zapperi and La Porta's application of genuine "data science" transcends the strict boundaries of their academic disciplines. Their work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and underscores the pressing need for such perspectives in our rapidly changing, increasingly interconnected, and hyper-complex world.