Explaining Inequality

by Maurizio Franzini, Mario Pianta

Overview

Inequalities in incomes and wealth have increased in advanced countries, making our economies less dynamic, our societies more unjust and our political processes less democratic. As a result, reducing inequalities is now a major economic, social and political challenge. This book provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the economics of inequality.

Until recently economic inequality has been the object of limited research efforts, attracting only modest attention in the political arena; despite important advances in the knowledge of its dimensions, a convincing understanding of the mechanisms at its roots is still lacking. This book summarizes the topic and provides an interpretation of the mechanisms responsible for increased disparities. Building on this analysis the book argues for an integrated set of policies addressing the roots of inequalities in incomes and wealth

Explaining Inequality will be of interest to students, researchers and practitioners concerned with inequality, economic and public policy and political economy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415703499
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/27/2015
Pages:	126
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Maurizio Franzini is Full Professor of Economic Policy, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.

Mario Pianta is Full Professor of Economic Policy, University of Urbino, Italy.

Table of Contents

1. Four engines of inequality 2. Capital, labour and the distribution of income 3. Family matters 4. Explaining inequality 5. Policies for a more equal society

Editorial Reviews

This book provides a timely and incisive study of inequality. While Piketty’s opus was fundamental in providing evidence for the rising trend in inequality, this book looks at different factors - technological, institutional and oligarchic - that help explain why a simple wealth tax is not the (only) answer.

Mariana Mazzucato, University of Sussex, UK.

'This book constitutes a compelling study of income and wealth inequality, and provides a clear and comprehensive analysis of the dynamics at the roots of inequality that is still needed. It succeeds in analysing the main issues related to inequality, keeping the title’s promise, and provides detailed and specific policy recommendations... I would recommend this book, in particular, to all those who have read Piketty for a satisfying complementary critical understanding of the deepest dynamics of inequality and to all those that are simply interested in or concerned with a concise and clear discussion of the issues of inequality.' — Marta R. M. Spreafico, International Review of Applied Economics

'This book provides a timely and incisive study of inequality. While Piketty’s opus was fundamental in providing evidence for the rising trend in inequality, this short book looks at different factors —technological, institutional and oligarchic — that help us also explain why a simple wealth tax is not the (only) answer.' — Mariana Mazzucato, R.M. Phillips Professor in the Economics of Innovation, SPRU, University of Sussex, UK.

'The four engines of inequality identified in this excellent book—power of capital over labor, oligarchic capitalism, individualization, and the retreat from politics—provide a powerful framework for understanding inequality in our time, and for thinking through what can be done about it.' — Ravi Kanbur, T.H. Lee Professor of World Affairs, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, USA.

'The causes and consequences of rising inequality in rich nations has been too narrowly treated even by progressives. There are only a few exceptions. Now, Mario Pianta and Maurizio Franzini have profoundly broadened the issue in their important book. You may have thought you've read everything about the subject. but you haven't until you read this book. You've probably even missed the important issues.' — Jeff Madrick, Author and Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, USA.

From the Publisher