The inequality trap
Subtitle: fighting capitalism instead of poverty
By: William Watson
Series: UTP insights; UTP insights
Publisher: University of Toronto Press
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 218
ISBN-13: 9781442637245
Subjects: Economics; Equality; Capitalism
Description: "US President Barack Obama has called economic inequality the "defining issue of our time." It has inspired the "Occupy" movements, made a French economist into a global celebrity, and given us a new expression--the "one percent." But is our preoccupation with inequality really justified? Or wise? In his new book, William Watson argues that focusing on inequality is both an error and a trap. It is an error because much inequality is "good," the reward for thrift, industry, and invention. It is a trap because it leads us to fixate on the top end of the income distribution, rather than on those at the bottom who need help most. In fact, if we respond to growing inequality by fighting capitalism rather than poverty, we may end up both poorer and less equal. Explaining the complexities of modern economics in a clear, accessible style, The Inequality Trap is the must-read rejoinder to the idea that fighting inequality should be our top policy priority."--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-203) and index.
Table of contents: title: History : the sequel; title: The deserving rich; title: Ginis rising; title: Who are the 1 per cent?; title: Is good inequality bad, too?; title: Poverty; title: Opportunity; title: Anti-occupy.