Chapter 1: The Roots of Anger in Inequality

The current state of our society can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when observing the disparities that exist: who bears the brunt of hardship, who remains unaffected, and who escapes accountability for their actions. The blatant injustices and double standards that pervade our world can evoke deep anger.

Research indicates that there is an evolutionary basis for the intense feelings of anger triggered by perceived unfairness, which is identified as inequity aversion. At its core, this concept suggests that if you exert the same effort as another individual, you expect to receive comparable rewards. This principle can pertain to equal compensation for equal work, equitable protection from law enforcement funded by your taxes, or fair representation in the legal system that you have followed. When these expectations are not met, it leads to frustration.

Interestingly, inequity aversion is evident in children as young as three years old and can also be observed in various animal species, including monkeys, birds, and dogs. The widespread occurrence of this response indicates that our anger toward unfairness is an innate human characteristic.

To illustrate this concept, consider an enlightening video showcasing inequity aversion through the research of primatologist Frans de Waal. In this particular study, two monkeys complete a task in a controlled environment. Initially, both monkeys receive identical rewards—a piece of cucumber—and everything proceeds smoothly. However, when the reward system changes and one monkey receives a grape, which is a significantly more desirable treat, the monkey still receiving cucumber reacts in outrage, even going so far as to hurl the cucumber at the scientist in protest.

De Waal suggests that inequity aversion likely evolved in both humans and other species to promote cooperation. For societies—whether animal or human—to thrive, they must be built on social contracts grounded in fairness. When these contracts are violated, the resulting unfairness is often met with protests and consequences to deter negative behavior.

Unlike our primate relatives, humans possess the ability to feel anger not only when we are personally wronged but also on behalf of others. Our inherent preference for fairness drives us to penalize those who commit injustices, even if we ourselves are not the victims. In fact, our commitment to fairness is so profound that we may willingly incur a personal cost to rectify inequality faced by others.

When confronted with feelings of injustice, a specific area of the brain called the anterior insula activates. This region is closely linked to experiences of empathy and even disgust, suggesting that individuals can be repelled by inequality. Concurrently, the amygdala, an area responsible for processing emotions, also becomes engaged in response to perceived injustices, leading to feelings of anger.

The next time you feel the heat of injustice rising within you, consider applying a bag of frozen peas to your face to help cool down. This technique can activate the "mammalian diving response," which effectively calms your body's panic mode. This evolutionary reaction is typically triggered by immersion in cold water, prompting the body to conserve energy and focus on essential functions like breathing. You can utilize this method to soothe emotional turbulence as well. Alternatively, you might find yourself chucking cucumbers in frustration!

To further delve into the interplay between inequality and mental health, watch this TEDx talk titled "The Surprising Neuroscience of Gender Inequality" by Janet Crawford. This presentation explores the neurological underpinnings of gender disparities and offers valuable insights into our societal structures.

Chapter 2: The Psychological Toll of Inequality

The ramifications of inequality extend beyond mere frustration; they can significantly impact mental health. Richard Wilkinson's TED talk, "The Link Between Inequality and Anxiety," sheds light on how social disparities contribute to anxiety levels in society.

In this video, Wilkinson discusses the correlation between inequality and psychological stress, emphasizing the broader implications of societal structures on individual well-being.