In recent years, the debate over narrowing the income gap between the richest and the poorest members of society has intensified because of its profound impact on building a happier society. Advocates argue that reducing the gap is the best way to enhance the sense of happiness, whereas critics emphasize that it is neither a feasible approach nor the only condition for social happiness. Aligning with the critics’ opinion, I argue that narrowing the income gap is impractical due to the diverse definitions and achievable measures of a happier society.
One primary reason to oppose reducing the income gap as the main policy objective is the difficulty of implementing such measures, especially in developing countries around the world. This can be attributed to the fact that governments bear a heavy responsibility to foster economic growth by improving infrastructure, enhancing the quality of education, providing better healthcare conditions, and generating more employment opportunities. Each of these priorities is more urgent and imperative than narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. For instance, China’s vision of “common prosperity” emphasizes the principle of “the rich helping those who are less fortunate,” aiming to improve the quality of life for its 1.4 billion population. Within this national strategy, narrowing the income gap is regarded as an effective means to promote social welfare rather than the sole objective. Given such compelling evidence, it is irrational to view narrowing the income gap as the primary mission in the development of society and nation.
Admittedly, narrowing the income gap can enhance the sense of happiness to some extent, particularly in developed countries where social comparison and jealousy are prevalent. Nevertheless, this perspective overlooks the fact that the meaning of happiness is highly subjective and varies significantly across individuals and nations. For instance, empirical studies indicate that citizens in Northern Europe consistently report the highest levels of happiness. This can be attributed to factors such as lower societal competition, robust social welfare systems, and a climate conducive to a high quality of life. More importantly, these individuals tend to feel content with their current circumstances rather than focusing excessively on income disparities. Therefore, if a country aims to enhance its citizens’ happiness, it should prioritize improving social welfare and enriching their spiritual well-being, rather than solely concentrating on reducing the income gap.
Overall, while reducing the wealth gap is an ideal way to create a more harmonious society, it may not be feasible for all countries. A more comprehensive and adaptable approach should be adopted, taking into account each country’s specific needs and cultural context.