Letter: Happy never after

I WAS bemused by the comments from Peter Smaill that there is no link between happiness and income inequality (Perspective, 21 April).
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Apr 2012, 03:35 BST

This statement flies in the face of international evidence which points to the fact that there is a strong link between happiness and income inequality. For example, while US average household has income doubled since 1962 this has not led to increased levels of happiness. This is put down to increased levels of inequality, with individuals happier when national wealth is distributed more evenly.

Those on lower incomes perceive the world to be unfair if only the rich get richer, and this greater income disparity disjoints and divides communities, leaving lower-income people less trusting of others, with lowered levels of fairness and trust.

Only income growth without income disparity will result in an increase in happiness.

ALEX ORR

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh