Socioeconomic inequality affects children’s brains
Socioeconomic inequality affects children’s brains
In a study conducted in the USA, it has been shown that the presence of large socioeconomic differences leaves a mark on the neurological development of children. Thus, children living in significant economic inequality are more likely to have mental health problems than those in places where there are not so many differences. Therefore, the development of the brain is not only related to the socioeconomic level of its family, but to the equality (or non-equality) that exists in its state.
The study analyzed the brains of 10,000 children aged 9-10 years by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and related the results to socioeconomic inequality. The greatest socioeconomic disparity has been measured in New York, Connecticut, California and Florida. By contrast, Utah, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Vermont have shown the smallest differences in income.
In places with high social inequality, changes in the structure of the brains, such as the connection of neurons and the thickness of some areas, have been observed. In addition, it has also been shown to correlate with mental health symptoms, particularly the risk of anxiety and depression. The researchers say that the presence of large differences in the environment creates stress, which may be the reason for the conclusions they have detected in the study.
They suggest that the methodology they have used is also appropriate for other places, noting that the study has highlighted the need to strengthen policies to combat socioeconomic inequality. Examples include proportional taxes, universal health care, initiatives to unite communities, investments in public infrastructure, etc.
In the same vein, another study found that even the richest in the United States have a shorter life expectancy than the rich in Europe, where the gap between the richest and the poorest is greater.
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