Explaining Inequality

Inequality within advanced countries has returned to levels typical of a century ago. At the global level it remains extremely high despite the rapid growth of major developing countries such as China, India and Brazil. This makes inequality a major economic issue and a major social problem and political challenge as recognised by two recent OECD Reports.

However, until now, economic inequality has been the object of limited research efforts and attracts 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 provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the economics of inequality. The authors present the evidence, an investigation of the main mechanisms leading to increasing disparities and arguments for appropriate policy actions.