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Whither inequality?

Author

Listed:
  • Fatih Kırşanlı

    (Yozgat Bozok University)

Abstract

This article reviews the overarching phenomenon of inequality presented in three prominent books: Jon D. Wisman’s The Origins and Dynamics of Inequality, Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s The Inner Level, and Thomas Piketty’s A Brief History of Equality. The review assesses inequality through biology, as Wisman emphasizes, and it elaborates on the possibility of lowering inequality through socially democratic policies, as Piketty proclaims. It also indicates that previous years’ inequality levels may shape future social, political, and economic development paths, per Wilkinson and Pickett’s discourse. Wisman’s book focuses on three dynamics behind inequality: biology, ideology, and politics, considering biology ahead of the latter two. Piketty’s piece provides examples of how equality can be achieved through progressive taxation and the welfare state. Lastly, epidemiologists Wilkinson and Pickett demonstrate inequality is the mother of all evil as inevitable socioeconomic obstacles ensue due to inequality. The review is completed by comparing the arguments of the three books.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatih Kırşanlı, 2025. "Whither inequality?," Review of Evolutionary Political Economy, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 239-247, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:revepe:v:6:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s43253-024-00120-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s43253-024-00120-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Philip Arestis, 2020. "Productivity and inequality in the UK: a political economy perspective," Review of Evolutionary Political Economy, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 183-197, August.
    2. Veblen, Thorstein, 2009. "The Theory of the Leisure Class," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199552580 edited by Banta, Martha, Decembrie.
    3. Ronen Peter Palan, 2020. "An evolutionary approach to international political economy: the case of corporate tax avoidance," Review of Evolutionary Political Economy, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 161-182, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Ideology; Taxation; Democracy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East

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