Inequality endangers the fabric of our societies, distorts the functioning of democracy, and derails the globalization process. Yet, it has only recently been recognized as a problem worth examining. Why has this issue been neglected for so long?

In Inequality: A Short History, Michele Alacevich and Anna Soci discuss the emergence of the inequality question in the twentieth century and explain how it is related to current issues such as globalization and the survival of democracy. The authors also discuss trends and the future of inequality. Inequality is a pressing issue that not only affects living standards, but is also inextricably linked to the way our democracies work.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Why Inequality Is the Real Issue

The Long Neglect of Inequality

The Statistical Drift of Inequality Studies

Inequality and Globalization

Inequality and Democracy: An Open Issue

The Future of Inequality

Appendix: Measures of Inequality

Notes

Index