"So why is inequality so harmful? "The Spirit Level" suggests that inequality undermines social trust and community life, corroding societies as a whole. It also suggests that humans, as social beings, become stressed when they find themselves at the bottom of a hierarchy. That stress leads to biological changes, such as the release of the hormone cortisol, and to the accumulation of abdominal fat (perhaps an evolutionary adaptation in preparation for starvation ahead?). The result is physical ailments like heart disease, and social ailments like violent crime, mutual distrust, self-destructive behaviors and persistent poverty. Another result is the establishment of alternative systems in which one can win respect and acquire self-esteem, such as gangs. "
Students share folk beliefs that make it difficult for them to understand inequality,
especially the harmful consequences of social practices they routinely
engage in, are attached to, and take for granted. Four of these beliefs include:
(a) harm is direct, extreme, and the product of an individual's intentions; (2)
harm is the product of the psyche; (3) for harm to occur, there must be an
individual to blame; (4) beliefs and practices that students cherish or enjoy
cannot be harmful. We offer sociological ideas that counter students’ individualistic
understanding of social harm.