The Distribution of Wealth – Growing Inequality? - Hardcover

Schneider, Michael; Pottenger, Mike; King, J. E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1783476435 ISBN 13: 9781783476435

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, 2016

Synopsis

This book answers a number of important questions about the distribution of wealth among people and the way that this distribution has changed over time. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal distribution of wealth from many dimensions: economic, statistical, ethical, political, sociological and legal.

Using data from 21 countries, this book demonstrates how inequality in the distribution of wealth varies between different parts of the world and how it evolves, with particular emphasis on the claim that there has been a long-term and continued increase in inequality since the 1970s in most countries. It discusses alternative ways of measuring the degree of inequality, analyses Thomas Piketty's claim that society has become more unequal in recent decades, and assesses the relative importance of the various determinants of the distribution of wealth. The authors explain why the distribution of wealth is unequal, and discuss how it could be changed with alternative policies and the possible consequences of these policies for economic efficiency. The authors also compare the different distributions of wealth that are implied by alternative views of society.

This is a valuable resource for students and academics in economics, political science and sociology seeking a state-of-the-art account of the theory and evidence surrounding inequality in the distribution of wealth.

About this title

About the Author

The late Michael Schneider, formerly Honorary Research Fellow, Federation University, Mike Pottenger, University of Melbourne and J.E. King, Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University, Australia and Honorary Professor, Federation University Australia

Edition details

• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1783476435
• ISBN 13: 9781783476435
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 232