New research from Aarhus University shows that when people understand how income inequality affects access to health care and education, they become more likely to support policies that reduce economic disparities.

Across four studies, researchers found that highlighting these connections made people less accepting of income gaps and more supportive of redistribution.

“People often tolerate income inequality, but when they see how it impacts health and education, they are more likely to support policies addressing it,” the researchers explained.

A growing problem

The findings come amid growing global inequality. Despite efforts to reduce disparities, the richest 10% of the population holds around 80% of global wealth, while the poorest half owns just 2%.

The research suggests that reframing inequality as a multidimensional issue—one that affects everyday essentials like health and education—can encourage broader support for change.

“Our key message is that people need to recognize how income disparities create disadvantages in crucial areas of life,” the authors noted.

Shaping our lives

The researchers emphasized that their study does not imply that inequality is acceptable as long as it does not affect health or education. Instead, they stress that economic conditions shape nearly every aspect of life.

The study also highlights how these disparities reinforce themselves over time. Poor health and low education often lead to lower-paying jobs, which in turn limit access to better health care and schooling, creating a cycle of inequality that persists across generations.