Why you don’t care about inequality | Jonathan Mijs | TEDxLondon

Not since the Great Depression of the 1930s, have we seen the level of inequality that is pervasive in our society today. So, why are we so willing to accept inequality as the status quo? Dr Jonathan Mijs is a sociologist researching our attitudes and beliefs about economic inequality. His research reveals a terrifying truth: the greater the spatial and social distance between the rich and poor the less we see and care about inequality. Yet, if equality is a goal we want to work towards, then it’s time to bridge this distance between the rich and the poor. It starts with crossing the social, class, and spatial borders that divide us. Dr Jonathan Mijs is a sociologist at London School of Economics and Harvard University, where he earned his Ph.D in 2017. Jonathan’s research describes the beliefs people hold about economic inequality, its causes and political consequences. His research highlights the process through which citizens - especially young citizens - learn about inequality and come to make sense of poverty and wealth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at