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The making of inequality.Capital, labour and the distribution of income

Author

Listed:
  • Maurizio Franzini

    (Department of Economics and Law, Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Mario Pianta

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

Abstract

Inequality is a major problem of today?s capitalism. The rise of disparities in income and wealth has been documented by many studies, and this paper provides a concise and updated documentation of facts and trends in advanced countries, contributing to an interpretation of the sources and dynamics of inequality. First, the evolution of relations between capital and labour is investigated, providing empirical evidence on the distribution of income between profits and wages. Second, the market processes that shape disparities of income ? of individuals and households, before and after taxes, redistribution and public services ? are addressed, showing the complexity of current trends. Third, disparities in wealth are examined, showing a much starker picture than that resulting from income inequality. The explanation of these developments points to four ?engines of inequality? ? the power of capital over labour, the rise of ?oligarchs capitalism?, the individualisation of economic conditions, the retreat of politics ? that are at the source of today?s inequalities. A full analysis of the dynamics of inequality, an interpretation of its mechanisms and a set of policy proposals to reverse it are developed in our book ?Explaining inequality? (Franzini and Pianta, 2015).

Suggested Citation

  • Maurizio Franzini & Mario Pianta, 2015. "The making of inequality.Capital, labour and the distribution of income," Working Papers 1507, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Department of Economics, Society & Politics - Scientific Committee - L. Stefanini & G. Travaglini, revised 2015.
    • Handle: RePEc:urb:wpaper:15_07
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Income distribution; Profits; Wages;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D33 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Factor Income Distribution
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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