A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports has found that economic inequality on a social level cannot be explained by bad choices among the poor nor by good decisions among the rich. The study, which was led by a researcher at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, analyzed data from over 100,000 people in 13 countries and found that poor decisions were the same across all income groups, including for people who had overcome poverty.

The study’s findings challenge the common belief that economic inequality is simply a matter of individual choices. Instead, the study suggests that structural factors, such as access to education and healthcare, play a much larger role in determining economic outcomes.

“Our research does not reject the notion that individual behavior and decision-making may directly relate to upward economic mobility,” said Kai Ruggeri, PhD, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Columbia Public Health. “Instead, we narrowly conclude that biased decision-making does not alone explain a significant proportion of population-level economic inequality.”

The study’s findings have important implications for public policy. If economic inequality is not primarily caused by individual bad choices, then policies that focus on changing individual behavior are unlikely to be effective in reducing inequality. Instead, policies that address structural factors, such as access to education and healthcare, are more likely to be successful.

“Our findings suggest that we need to focus on policies that address the root causes of economic inequality,” said Ruggeri. “This means investing in education and healthcare, and creating a more level playing field for everyone.”

The study’s findings are also relevant to the ongoing debate about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. Some have argued that AI could exacerbate economic inequality by widening the gap between the rich and the poor. However, the study’s findings suggest that AI is unlikely to be the primary driver of economic inequality. Instead, structural factors are likely to play a much larger role.

“Our findings suggest that AI is not the main culprit behind economic inequality,” said Ruggeri. “However, AI could exacerbate inequality if it is not used in a way that benefits everyone.”

The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding the root causes of economic inequality. By addressing these causes, we can create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

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