The Inequality Trap: Fighting Capitalism Instead of Poverty (Utp Insights) - Hardcover

Watson, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442637242 ISBN 13: 9781442637245

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 2015

Synopsis

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 this title

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.

Review:

‘Accessible and extraordinarily well written, this volume is full of fascinating insights.’

(R.S. Rycroft Choice Magazine vol 53:07:2016)

"Anyone looking to play devil’s advocate with [Thomas] Piketty-purchasing friends would be well served by this book."

(James Ryerson The New York Times Sunday Book Review, December 20, 2015)

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1442637242
• ISBN 13: 9781442637245
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240