However, relative, nonincome-based differences are equally important. A study of Latin American  countries found that inequality matters more to well-being than absolute income gains for those at the bottom (Graham and Felton, 2005).

Similarly, data from eight countries showed a strong correlation between reduced income inequality and subjective well-being (self-reported happiness), apparently due to social comparisons in which happiness is decreased when others around you seem to be doing better (Hagerty, 2000).

A more egalitarian society living on an ecologically and socially sustainable path is therefore an important contributor to well-being