The Political Economy of Inequality

The disparity in wealth both within and between nations has grown rapidly and is becoming an increasingly significant issue in attempts to deal with environmental problems - from international negotiations over climate change to local concerns about environmental justice. This book offers an in-depth examination of the economic theory behind the causes, consequences and cures for inequality; it lays the groundwork for an integrated understanding of the issues involved. The book is part of the "Frontier Issues in Economic Thought" series, and as such offers summaries of the most notable articles and chapters in a "frontier" area where important new work is being done but has not yet been incorporated into the standard definition of economics. Introductory essays by the editors review the field and situate the summarized articles within an overview of the subject.