As the United Kingdom’s wealth gap widens, with the richest families now holding more wealth than the poorest half of the population, a new phenomenon termed “wealth shame” is emerging among millionaires. This feeling of guilt stems from inheriting or generating passive income amid such stark societal inequality, prompting some to feel like “class traitors” or lobbyists for a fairer system. The psychological discomfort reflects the brutality of the widening divide, which a recent report suggests could act as a significant driver of societal collapse. This guilt can, however, be channeled into active atonement, driving wealthy individuals to fund causes that aim to address the injustices they perceive.
November 25, 2025. independent.co