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 book starts with a concise and updated overview of ideas and facts. 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. They have changed the way capitalism (and politics) works, leading to escalating inequalities. The interpretation provided leads to a set of policy proposals for reversing inequality. A must read for scholars, policy makers and activists.

1.1. Introduction

1.2. The four engines of inequality

1.3. Changing views of inequality

1.4. Why inequality matters

2.1. Introduction 

2.2. Capital vs. labour

2.3. The problem of the very rich

2.4. The distribution of household income

2.5. Inequality within labour income

2.6. Inequalities at the regional and world level 

2.7. Inequality in wealth

3.1. Introduction 

3.2. Inherited wealth 

3.3. Family background and labour income

3.4. Channels of  intergenerational transmission of inequality

3.5. Equality of opportunity across generations

4.1. Introduction

4.2. The dynamics of capital 

4.3. Capital, income and the engines of inequality

4.4. The power of capital over labour 

4.5. Oligarchs capitalism

4.6. The individualisation of economic conditions

4.7. The retreat of politics  

1. Introduction

2. Why inequality should be reduced?

3. How can inequality be reduced?

4. The implementation of egalitarian policies 

Bibliography

Index