The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die

The book’s arguments are supported by personal anecdotes, academic and psychological studies, and thought experiments. Discuss the book’s structure and how these multiple elements contribute to its main arguments. Is this mix of evidence effective?

Payne argues that inequality must be treated as a public health problem. What does he mean by this? Do you agree or disagree?

In Chapter 9 Payne describes a cognitive-behavioral exercise to help people live more comfortably in unequal environments. Perform this exercise yourself by writing down what is most meaningful to you. Compare your answer to others, and note whenever you find yourself making status comparisons. Did this exercise help, and is it a practical way of living with inequality?