The Inequality Trap
Fighting Capitalism Instead of Poverty
- Publisher
- University of Toronto Press
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2015
- Category
- Theory, General, Government & Business, Social Services & Welfare
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781442637245
- Publish Date
- Sep 2015
- List Price
- $45.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781442624955
- Publish Date
- Sep 2015
- List Price
- $35.95
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Description
US President Barack Obama has called economic inequality the “defining issue of our time.” It has inspired the “Occupy” movements, made a French economist into a global celebrity, and given us a new expression – the “one percent.” But is our preoccupation with inequality really justified? Or wise?
In his new book, William Watson argues that focusing on inequality is both an error and a trap. It is an error because much inequality is “good,” the reward for thrift, industry, and invention. It is a trap because it leads us to fixate on the top end of the income distribution, rather than on those at the bottom who need help most. In fact, if we respond to growing inequality by fighting capitalism rather than poverty, we may end up both poorer and less equal.
Explaining the complexities of modern economics in a clear, accessible style, The Inequality Trap is the must-read rejoinder to the idea that fighting inequality should be our top policy priority.
About the author
William Watson teaches economics at McGill University and is associated with four Canadian policy institutes: C.D. Howe, Fraser, IRPP, and MacDonald-Laurier. He is a regular columnist for both the National Post and Ottawa Citizen.
Editorial Reviews
"Anyone looking to play devil’s advocate with [Thomas] Piketty-purchasing friends would be well served by this book."
The New York Times Sunday Book Review, December 20, 2015
‘Accessible and extraordinarily well written, this volume is full of fascinating insights.’
Choice Magazine vol 53:07:2016