Anne Case

Deaths of Despair

1. IDEA 1

   Deaths have risen among some Americans

   Case and Deaton discovered that death rates among middle-aged white Americans without university degrees were rising. This was unusual, because death rates in rich countries normally fall over time. Their finding shocked researchers.

2. IDEA 2

   Despair drives many deaths

   The authors call these deaths of despair, caused by suicide, drug overdoses and alcohol-related illness. They argue that these deaths reflect deep social and economic distress. They are signs of social breakdown.

3. IDEA 3

   Education divides outcomes

   The authors show that people without a university degree have fared much worse. Their wages, health and family lives have suffered compared with those with degrees. A degree has become a dividing line.

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