The Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal on Wednesday made it mandatory for persons to obtain a certificate before slaughtering animals such as buffaloes, cows and bulls. The administration barred public slaughter of the animals and said officials carrying out inspections to enforce the
The United Arab Emirates said on Thursday (May 14, 2026) it "denies reports" that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country, after Mr. Netanyahu's office said he had met with the UAE President during the war with Iran. Mr. Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday (May 13
Lucknow, May 14 (PTI) Still in the hunt for a playoff berth despite an erratic campaign, Chennai Super Kings will look to continue their recent resilient run when they take on the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match here on Friday.Lucknow
For the past few years, millets have enjoyed a remarkable glow-up. Once considered humble staples in many Indian homes, grains like bajra, jowar and ragi are now being marketed as modern superfoods—pitched as the answer to everything from weight loss and diabetes to better digestion and heart
Iran could be only weeks away from producing weapons-grade uranium, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned lawmakers, raising fresh concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee
What Archaeology Can Teach Us About Extreme Inequality
What Archaeology Can Teach Us About Extreme Inequality
Today's state of extreme economic inequality is a problem best approached with science — using it to make specific measurements, identify root causes, and develop workable solutions. Archaeology is revealing a broad picture that spans thousands of years of prehistory, challenging some of the pervasive biases about the inevitability of inequality as people form larger communities or advance technologically.
In a vast region of central Europe, farming communities defied expectations by living in houses that were all roughly the same size, leaving no trace of palaces, kings or other nobility — and they did so for five millennia. When future archaeologists study the 21st century, they'll find the opposite. According to recent global data, the bottom 40% of the population on the economic ladder possesses just 0.6% of the world's wealth.
“We're in probably the greatest [period of] inequality our species has ever seen, and so the natural question for many of us arises, ‘how did we get here?'” said archaeologist Paul Duffy of Kiel University in Germany.
The findings he and his colleagues are unearthing challenge the common assumption that inequality was the unavoidable price of human development as we progressed from being hunter-gatherers to farmers, and eventually to an industrial society.
This latest evidence suggests we don't have to accept worsening inequality as we move from an industrial to an information economy and on to whatever artificial intelligence ushers in next.
Understanding the past in this way wasn't possible without new scientific tools such as ancient DNA and chemical analysis of skeletons and teeth, which reveal diet, movement patterns and other intricate details of the lives of ordinary people.
Duffy was the lead author of a study published in August in Science Advances, which examined a surprisingly egalitarian society in Eastern Europe — the Carpathian Basin, which encompasses what's now Hungary along with parts of Austria, Serbia and Ukraine. The researchers found evidence of persistent equality in the way communities were structured and in the goods buried with their dead.
The team applied a standard measure of economic inequality known as the Gini coefficient — a scale that ranges from perfect equality at 0 to one person or family hoarding everything at 1. The World Bank recently scored the US at 0.42, while more egalitarian countries such as the Netherlands and Iceland scored around 0.25. The people of the Carpathian Basin scored an even more egalitarian 0.21, sustained through various millennia and technological changes.
Earlier studies documented a much higher coefficient once the early farmers of Eurasia developed the plow and used draft animals to till their fields. Equality generally depends on an abundance of land and a shortage of labor, and in other parts of Europe and the Near East, plowing with draft animals fostered inequality by creating an artificial land scarcity since it took about twice the land to produce the same crop yield. It also reduced the need for labor.
But in this region, Duffy said, fertile land was so abundant that people could escape if a class of elites formed and became greedy or despotic. Every society has leaders, he said, but if people can vote with their feet, leaders are forced to act in the interest of the group. “It's really important to be able to go somewhere.”
However, this area maintained what Duffy calls a stateless society. There were no pyramids to honor rulers but instead there were public works, such as a series of ditches. People came together and got things done.
Archaeologist Gary Feinman of the Field Museum in Chicago, said researchers are now able to trace the way people moved around through DNA obtained from skeletal remains. They can also use strontium isotopes — different forms of the chemical element strontium — which differ by region and are absorbed by the body through food and water. Depending on the ratio of the isotopes and where they're found — teeth or bones — researchers can determine where someone was born and whether they moved around.
Feinman said he was struck by the contrast he found in Mexico between the more egalitarian society of pre-Columbian Oaxaca and the hierarchical Mayan empire, which collapsed before Europeans arrived. Extreme inequality becomes unstable because it destroys social cohesion. “People will cooperate as long as they see their needs and aims are aligned with those of the larger group,” he said. When people are out of alignment with the group, things break down.
In a sweeping study published last spring, Feinman and his colleagues also connected equality to the specific sources of material wealth. The most egalitarian societies depend on human labor for their wealth — on the work of farmers, or artisans or builders, for example. If resources have to be drawn from a wide segment of the citizenry, Feinman said, societies tend to develop more collective forms of government.
Wealth tends to become concentrated when most of it comes from resources that can be controlled by a few people — oil, for example, or perhaps data and real estate today.
These scientific archaeological studies are helping dismantle assumptions about human progress. People don't necessarily need hierarchy or authoritarian leadership, or even farming to achieve things, Feinman said. Sometimes hunter-gatherer societies built monuments — in Turkey and in North America. And even if they moved around, they gathered periodically at those monuments in festivals that might have resembled today's Burning Man.
There's an even more pervasive assumption that life was progressively worse for the average person the farther back we look in history because they lacked technology — from basic farming and building materials to indoor plumbing, TV and smartphones. How did they get by? That all depended on the era, the place, and whether they lived in a harmonious or oppressive society.
Today's inequality could easily grow as rapidly changing technology pushes people off their career paths. And then we'll argue over whether those on the losing end deserve help, and what's fair.
In the long-term view, societies don't collapse because they're too fair, too equitable, too cooperative, or too caring. Helping the less fortunate through upheaval builds cohesion and strengthens our chances for survival in the long run.
More From Bloomberg Opinion:
This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.
F.D. Flam is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering science. She is host of the “Follow the Science” podcast.
/opinion
©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: Regional inequality deepens poverty in Pakistan Gen Z protests against corruption and inequality are shaking Morocco Poverty and inequality worsen in Pakistan Opposition targets Centre over inequality of income Affluence amid growing inequality Inequality in India among highest in the world World Economic Forum economists expect global economic conditions to weaken in 2026 India experienced extreme weather events on 99% days in first nine months of 2025 Robots capable of manning borders in extreme temperature to be manufactured at Nagpur facility 1.8bn people in S Asia face extreme heat risks by 2030
Moving on from his controversial past, England call back pacer and call him 'world class'During the India tour in 2024, the fast bowler ran his mouth on a podcast, and on the field of play performed terribly. Updated on: May 14, 2026 10:49 AM IST Written by Prateek Srivastava Share via Copy link
10 hours ago
India on Wednesday banned exports of raw, white and refined sugar with immediate effect until September 30, as the government moved to contain domestic prices and protect supplies amid uncertainty linked to the war in West Asia, Reuters reported
10 hours ago
Heavy security at AIADMK headquarters in Chennai following internal splitThe party is currently facing a significant internal rift, with one faction led by its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and a dissident group. Updated on: May 14
10 hours ago
Sugar stocks traded lower on Thursday after the Centre banned sugar exports with immediate effect till September 30, 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring adequate domestic availability and controlling prices. Following the announcement, shares of major sugar companies came under pressure and traded
10 hours ago
Had there been morality, NEET paper would not have leaked: Rajasthan GovernorHad there been morality, NEET paper would not have leaked: Rajasthan Governor Published on: May 14, 2026 12:45 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kota, If there had been any morality, the NEET paper would not have leaked
10 hours ago
The central government has banned sugar exports with immediate effect till September 30, 2026, or until further orders, in a move aimed at safeguarding domestic supplies and ensuring food security amid concerns over production and availability
10 hours ago
As US President Donald Trump touches down in Beijing, Iran expresses hope that Xi Jinping will push for a solution to the Hormuz crisis. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Kazem Gharibabadi, told CNN-News18 during a media interaction that since China too was suffering because of the Hormuz naval
10 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Was your cabin suitcase stopped at the boarding gate again? Here’s how to avoid getting gate checked at the airportKeep your cabin suitcase with you by packing smarter using a
10 hours ago
As global health authorities continue to monitor the situation, the hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has escalated, with nine confirmed cases reported so far and more expected in the coming weeks. Around 150 passengers and crew members have now begun returning
10 hours ago
An Indian woman travelling through Southeast Asia has shared her frustrating experience of allegedly being stopped from boarding a flight to Cambodia despite carrying valid documents and proof of funds. In an Instagram video, the traveller claimed she was asked to show hundreds of dollars in cash
10 hours ago
ChudTheBuilder update: What charges is streamer facing after shooting? Attempted murder, aggravated assault and moreChudTheBuilder, whose real name is Dalton Eatherly, has been charged in connection to a shooting outside a Tennessee courthouse. Published on: May 14
10 hours ago
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America faces a significant risk from soaring temperatures. Scientists warn that many matches could be played in dangerous heat conditions, potentially impacting player welfare and performance. Some games may even require postponement
10 hours ago
Kannada actor-producer Dileep Raj’s sudden death left everyone shocked and numb. Raj passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday due to a cardiac arrest. As the nation mourns the actor’s death, a new report has revealed some shocking details. If a report by Udayavani is to be believed
10 hours ago
Haryana Board HBSE 10th Class Result 2026 Date, Time, Direct Link at bseh.org.in Live Updates: The Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) is all set to announce the HBSE Class 10 Result 2026 today, May 14. It will be released at noon. Once out
10 hours ago
A South Carolina court has overturned the 2023 murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced lawyer who was convicted of killing his wife and son. The state's supreme court on Wednesday ordered a new trial for Murdaugh over the June 2021 killings
10 hours ago
On a new TV tech turf, Xiaomi S Mini LED TV 75 makes a strong case for dominanceFor a TV with flagship aspirations taking the battle to Samsung and others, Xiaomi’s hardware foundation is overlaid with attentive image processing Published on: May 14
10 hours ago
Gurgaon man worked as Uber driver to pay rent and EMIs after being fired suddenlyThe Gurgaon man shared that the aftermath of being fired from the company where he had worked diligently and loyally was brutal. Published on: May 14, 2026 10:17 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link "Loyalty
10 hours ago
A woman who fought breast cancer comes back stronger and shares her story in a powerful reel. As one scrolls down @sriorcoimbatore page on Instagram, another reel pops up. It offers a simple advice on maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables
10 hours ago
Absence of minister affecting General Education Dept functioning: CPI(M) leader SivankuttyAbsence of minister affecting General Education Dept functioning: CPI(M) leader Sivankutty Published on: May 14, 2026 9:05 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Thiruvananthapuram
10 hours ago
In a thrilling encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr team clinched a 1-1 draw against rivals Al-Hilal thanks to a last-minute own goal. With the Saudi Pro League title hanging in the balance, Al-Nassr remains in the lead by a five-point margin
10 hours ago
Oklahoma man to be executed for killing ex-girlfriend, her 7-month-old daughterRaymond Johnson, 52, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Updated on: May 14, 2026 10:59 AM IST AP Share via Copy link An Oklahoma man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and
10 hours ago
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan lauded the party's High Command for its transparent selection process for Kerala's next Chief Minister. He stated Rahul Gandhi was directly involved. Radhakrishnan expressed happiness with the democratic procedure
10 hours ago
LinkedIn Layoffs: The cuts are part of an internal reorganisation aimed at focusing resources on areas of stronger business growth, rather than a response to AI replacing roles. Microsoft-owned professional networking platform LinkedIn is preparing to reduce its workforce by around 5% as part of a
10 hours ago
Nahan (HP), May 14 (PTI) A suspect has been taken into custody after a woman’s partially burnt body was found in a forest near a police battalion camp in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmour district, police said. The body of the woman, who is stated to be in her late 30s
10 hours ago
Marathi signboards within a month or 'Shiv Sena-style' action: Mumbai deputy mayor to shops, hotelsThe Mumbai deputy mayor warned of a ‘Shiv Sena-style’ action if establishments fail to install prominently visible Marathi signboards. Updated on: May 14
10 hours ago
P. Krishnakumar, who guided Jammu and Kashmir to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph this year as the side’s bowling coach, is also in line to be the third fast bowling coach. Former India pacers VRV Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji will reportedly join the Board of Control for Cricket in
10 hours ago
Gold, Silver Rate Today May 14: Check 18, 22, 24 carat Gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata Gold, Silver Rate Today, May 14: Gold prices continue to witness fluctuation amid the ongoing US war against Iran, causing uncertainty across the world markets. Earlier on Wednesday
10 hours ago
