Recessions are good for people’s health?
February 11th, 2009 | Published in Current Events
I heard a news story today where it was argued that recessions are good for people’s health because they buy less of harmful things like cigarettes, booze, and junk food.
This argument is weak for a couple of reasons. During a recession, people tend to be stressed. When people are stressed, they look for things that provide immediate satisfaction. Many people who are stressed turn to drinking. They will buy the booze and skip things with longer term benefits like carrots and gym memberships.
The main problem with recessions is that the pain isn’t evenly distributed. If everyone were paid just a little less, then everyone could cut back a little and perhaps some people would cut back on bad things like booze and cigarettes. For most people, however, it is all or nothing. Either you have a job or you don’t. If you don’t have a job, you are in big trouble. You may be prevented from buying bad things, but the good things are going to go for sure too. People who can’t find work aren’t going to make looking after their health a priority.
As I see it, recessions, unemployment, and poverty are bad for people’s health and sanity.
