Dr Kate Pickett, co-author of the critically acclaimed 2009 book The Spirit Level, will deliver the SURF Annual Lecture for 2009.
Background
The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better is founded on the simple premise that inequality is the root cause of all social problems. It is based on 30 years’ research, and seeks to demonstrate that rising inequality is bad for all members of society.
The book shows that a wide variety of social problems, including violence, crime, low educational achievement, poor health, mental illness, and obesity, are more likely to occur in less equal societies. The study has been widely acclaimed by academics and reviewers; links to some reviews are given below.
Dr Pickett is a Senior Lecturer in the University of York, and her research interests include the social determinants of health and epediomological factors. She is also a Career Scientist in the National Institute for Health Research, and has studied or worked in Cambridge University, Cornell University, Berkeley (University of California), and the University of Chicago.
Event Details
The annual lecture is one of the key events in SURF’s annual calendar. The event will take place in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, on the afternoon of Thursday 5th November (2:30-4:30pm).
This event is free to SURF members. Please click here to book online.
A free place at the annual lecture is just one of the benefits of SURF membership. Non-members can find out more about the additional benefits of joining the SURF network by clicking here.
Non-members can also attend the lecture for a fee of just £25 (ex VAT). Please click here to book online.
Further Information
Reviews of The Spirit Level:
New Statesman
Sunday Times
The Globe and Mail (Canada)
The Guardian
Dr Pickett is also one of the founding members of The Equality Trust, a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the effects of inequality. Further information on the work of the Equality Trust is available from their website at the following link:
