Changing Inequalities in Rich Countries

This book explores income, wealth, and education inequalities across 30 countries over three decades, examining their social and political consequences while addressing the implications for policy and welfare state development.

Changing Inequalities in Rich Countries explores the dynamics of income, wealth, and educational disparities across 30 countries over the past three decades. Through a combination of comparative analysis and detailed case studies, the book investigates whether these inequalities have grown and how they correlate with various social and political outcomes, including poverty, family dynamics, health, and crime. The authors highlight the growing discourse surrounding inequality, which has gained momentum since the economic crisis, yet was already a pressing issue in public discussions, media narratives, and academic research prior to that point.

The book poses critical questions regarding the trajectory of inequalities in affluent nations, seeking to understand whether disparities have widened over the last 30 years and the underlying reasons for such changes. It also delves into the broader social, cultural, and political repercussions of increasing inequalities, as well as the implications for policy and the future of welfare states. By employing an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses economics, sociology, and political science, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.

Focusing on the experiences of countries in Europe, along with the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, and South Korea, the book combines comparative research with insights from specific national contexts. It emphasizes the challenges of accurately assessing the factors contributing to rising inequalities and the various channels through which these disparities affect key social and political outcomes. Ultimately, Changing Inequalities in Rich Countries underscores the importance of considering the institutional and policy frameworks of each country when analyzing trends and impacts related to inequality.