Changing Inequalities and Societal Impacts in Rich Countries

This book explores whether income, wealth, and education inequalities have grown in 30 affluent nations, examining their social, cultural, and political effects while considering policy implications for welfare state development.

Changing Inequalities and Societal Impacts in Rich Countries explores the critical issue of income, wealth, and educational inequalities across 30 affluent nations. It examines whether these disparities have been consistently widening and how this trend might be contributing to various social problems and affecting democratic processes. The book is set against a backdrop of heightened discussions around inequality, which gained momentum during the economic crisis but had already begun to emerge prior to that period. This growing discourse is reflected in media narratives, political debates, and social science research.

The central inquiries of the book, stemming from the GINI research project, focus on whether inequalities have escalated over the past three decades in wealthy nations and the reasons behind this trend. Additionally, it delves into the social, cultural, and political ramifications of these increasing inequalities, as well as the implications for policy and the future of welfare states. By addressing these questions, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of inequality.

Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the authors draw from economics, sociology, and political science to analyze the experiences of the selected countries. The study encompasses all EU member states except Cyprus and Malta, along with the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. Through detailed case studies, the book highlights the diverse experiences of different nations while emphasizing the significance of contextualizing inequality trends within each country's institutional and policy framework. This thorough analysis seeks to illuminate the evolution of inequality and its broader impacts on society.