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The dynamics of inequality in the human story: a brief sketch

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  • Jon D. Wisman

Abstract

Teaching contemporary inequality can be significantly enriched by being nested in its dynamics over the course of human history. This essay provides those teaching inequality with a brief sketch of: 1) the original human condition of a high degree of equality that endured for 97% to 98% of our species' existence as foragers and early agriculturalists; 2) the origin of extreme inequality that accompanied the rise of states and civilisation about 5,500 years ago as weapons technology enabled a few to subjugate the producers; 3) why, despite a significant degree of political democracy in many contemporary societies, extreme inequality persists.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon D. Wisman, 2018. "The dynamics of inequality in the human story: a brief sketch," International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 9(1/2), pages 4-17.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijplur:v:9:y:2018:i:1/2:p:4-17
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    Keywords

    aboriginal equality; rise of state; comparative advantage in violence; democracy; ideology; teaching inequality; inequality.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General

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