TED: The psychology of inequality and political division | Keith Payne

The video discusses the high levels of economic inequality in the U.S. and globally, linking it to social and health issues. It explores the psychological effects of inequality, such as the 'better than average' effect, and presents experiments showing how perceived inequality can alter attitudes. A personal story illustrates the social impact of feeling poor. The video highlights the political consequences of inequality, noting decreased political engagement among the poor. It concludes with a call to action for those who have benefited from inequality to recognize their advantages and work towards social change.

What is one of the main consequences of economic inequality mentioned in the video?

• Better education

• More crime

• Longer lifespans

• Increased happiness

What psychological effect makes people believe they are better than others?

• The better than average effect

• The superiority complex

• The average effect

• The inferiority complex

In the experiment, how did the 'better than average' group view the economic system?

• As a fair meritocracy

• As a rigged system

• As a random chance

• As a socialist system

What personal experience did the speaker share to illustrate the impact of feeling poor?

• Receiving a job promotion

• Being asked to pay for lunch

• Winning a scholarship

• Buying a new car

How do feelings of deprivation typically affect political engagement?

• They have no effect

• They lead to political disengagement

• They cause violent protests

• They increase political activism

What did the 'better than average' group think of those who disagreed with them?

• They were reasonable

• They were biased

• They were well-informed

• They were open-minded

What trend has been observed in political participation among the poor as inequality has grown?

• It has increased

• It has remained stable

• It has fluctuated

• It has plummeted

What is the 'headwind tailwind asymmetry' concept about?

• The challenges of facing obstacles

• The perception of success and failure

• The balance of work and leisure

• The impact of weather on mood

What is suggested as a way to address inequality and political division?

• Increasing taxes on the poor

• Reducing education funding

• Ignoring political differences

• Recognizing one's advantages

Who is primarily responsible for initiating change to address inequality, according to the video?

• The well-off

• The government

• The poor

• International organizations