Band 6+: Some people believe that the best way to provide a happier society is to ensure that there are only small differences between the richest and poorest members. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some individuals believe that producing a society with a higher level of happiness can be ensured if the income indifferences between the richest and poorest people could be reduced. From my perspective, I agree with this suggestion for several reasons; however, there are some disadvantages that need to be considered.

On the one hand, there are some reasons that explain why reducing the income disparity between citizens could result in a higher happiness level. In order to have a happier life, people must have access to healthcare, which ensures mental and physical health. Moreover, when the income differences between people are reduced, accessibility to healthier foods has also become enhanced, leading to better diets and a superior level of happiness among citizens.

On the other hand, a society with enhanced happiness requires a combination of factors, which can not be solely determined by elevating income. People’s happiness is proven to be regulated by factors, such as work satisfaction, personal relationships, and the engagement in recreational activities. While elevating the general income and reducing wealth disparity can effectively enhance the quality of living, it fails to ensure an improvement in many areas. For instance, when a worker receives a higher salary, it is not necessarily true for them to have better relationships with their loved ones. As a result, it is important to focus on happiness as a combination of multiple aspects rather than concentrating exclusively on wealth and income.

In conclusion, although there are mixed opinions on finding the optimal way to produce a happier society, I believe that reducing the wealth difference between people could be an effective solution; however, it is not the best approach. While reducing this gap could enhance the quality of living by granting access to education and healthcare, it would not improve people’s relationships and the way they engage in recreational activities. Thus, focusing on a multi-pronged option may be superior and can enhance general happiness better.