Kate Pickett's 'The Good Society' Urges Bold Action on UK Inequality
In her latest work, social epidemiologist Kate Pickett presents a compelling case for transformative change to address the deep-seated inequality crisis in the United Kingdom. The Good Society builds on her previous influential research, gathering a wealth of startling data that underscores the urgent need for systemic reform.
Shocking Statistics Highlight a Society in Crisis
Pickett's book is filled with jaw-dropping facts that paint a grim picture of contemporary Britain. For instance, she notes that preventive services for families saw a 25% decline in spending from 2011 until just before the pandemic. In Liverpool, half of children born in 2009 and 2010 had been referred to children's services by age five. Perhaps most alarmingly, England's local authorities had only 6% of the necessary childcare places for children with disabilities in 2023-24, a figure Pickett emphasises is not a typo.
These statistics are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend. Pickett points out that among 40 OECD and EU countries, Britain experienced the greatest rise in child poverty in the decade before 2023, at 20%, with nearly a third of British children now living in poverty. The scale of need is staggering, with many unable to access essential social care, and 63% of prisoners reoffending within six months of release.
From Diagnosis to Prescription: A Vision for Change
The Good Society is structured in two parts. The first two-thirds synthesise extensive research on the NHS, care systems, education, and prisons, revealing widespread failures. The final third proposes ambitious solutions, arguing that incremental changes are insufficient. Pickett writes, "We can't afford to nibble at the edges of the climate crisis, or the crisis in care, or the other big problems we're facing; we need wholesale change." She advocates for nothing less than a new social fabric.
Her proposals include a universal basic income to ensure dignity and autonomy, participatory budgeting inspired by Brazil, progressive taxation, citizen assemblies, and stronger trade unions. She also suggests establishing a National Institute for Social Change, similar to NICE, to evaluate social policies. Additionally, she calls for a National Care Service and a National Education Service, modelled on the NHS, to provide comprehensive support from cradle to grave.
Learning from Global Examples
Pickett draws inspiration from international models to illustrate viable alternatives. In Brazil, participatory budgeting empowers citizens to set spending priorities. The Netherlands is experimenting with a four-day working week. Costa Rica prioritises environmental protection in its laws. Finland's education system, which focuses on wellbeing and curiosity rather than rote learning, made Pickett "want to weep with frustration" at the contrast with the UK. Bhutan's measurement of gross national happiness, rather than GDP, offers another paradigm shift.
These examples demonstrate that different approaches are possible and effective. Pickett argues that much of what is considered immutable in the UK, such as prison policies, is actually ideological. For instance, when the Netherlands shifted to a rehabilitation model in 2005, its prison population dropped by 40% in 12 years, showing that change is achievable with political will.
The Power of Evidence and Narrative
Pickett, who was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to societal equality, emphasises the importance of evidence-based policymaking. She notes that many of her facts come from government-commissioned reports with excellent recommendations that are often shelved due to political cycles. "The evidence is really powerful," she says, highlighting how chronic stress from inequality adversely affects health and social cohesion.
She believes political leaders must combine statistics with compelling stories to build public support for a better society. Reflecting on the current government, she expresses disappointment at the lack of bold vision, citing delays in ending the two-child limit as an example that pushed more families into poverty. "Given their mandate for change, I think they could and should have been bolder and faster," she asserts.
A Call for Collective Agency
Pickett challenges the neoliberal focus on individual responsibility, which she terms "lifestyle drift" in public health. Instead, she advocates for creating supportive contexts that enable people to thrive. Early intervention, she argues, is not only more effective but also cheaper in the long run. "Get in early, and you have a chance of heading off the worst effects," she writes.
She encourages a shift from a punitive "nanny state" narrative to one of nurturing care. "If nanny looks after you and nurtures you and makes it possible for you to live a good life, I think that's what we should be aiming for. Bring on nanny!" she quips, underscoring the need for systemic support.
Ultimately, The Good Society is a rallying cry for hope and action. Pickett believes that people are "thirsty for hope" and ready for new ideas. With bold leadership and evidence-driven policies, she argues, the UK can build a fairer, less stressed society. Her book serves as both a stark warning and an inspiring blueprint for change.
