Inequality: What Can Be Done?

Inequality: What Can Be Done? presents an analysis of economic inequality and concrete policy proposals to address it. British economist Anthony B. Atkinson draws on decades of research to examine the causes and consequences of disparities in wealth and income. The book outlines fifteen specific policy recommendations, including changes to technology, employment, taxation, and social security systems. Atkinson builds economic models and uses data to demonstrate how these proposals could reduce inequality while maintaining economic growth. The work balances technical economic analysis with accessible explanations for general readers. Each chapter progresses from fundamental concepts to detailed policy discussions, supported by historical examples and current statistics. The book stands out for its pragmatic approach to a complex social challenge. Rather than focus solely on diagnosing problems, it offers a roadmap for systemic change through established political and economic frameworks.

Readers appreciate Atkinson's concrete policy proposals and clear writing style that makes complex economic concepts accessible. Many note his measured, evidence-based approach sets it apart from more partisan takes on inequality. One reader on Goodreads highlighted that "Atkinson provides 15 specific recommendations rather than just describing problems." Critics say the book focuses too heavily on UK-specific policies and data, limiting its global relevance. Some readers found the technical economic sections challenging to follow. A common critique on Amazon mentions that the proposals seem politically unrealistic in today's climate. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (92 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (54 ratings) Common praise points to the detailed research and clear graphs/charts. Critical reviews note the book's academic tone and dense statistical analysis can be overwhelming for general readers. Multiple reviewers mentioned wanting more discussion of technological automation's role in inequality.

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The Price of Inequality by Joseph Stiglitz The Nobel laureate economist examines how market forces, institutional structures, and policy decisions create and perpetuate economic disparities in society.

The Economics of Inequality by Thomas Piketty This technical examination presents the economic mechanisms that produce income and wealth gaps between social groups through mathematical models and empirical evidence.

The Great Divide by Joseph Stiglitz The book compiles research and analysis on how specific policies and institutional arrangements in the United States have contributed to economic inequality since the 1980s.

Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas This investigation reveals how modern philanthropic efforts by economic elites preserve rather than challenge the systems that create inequality.

📚 Anthony Atkinson was nicknamed "the godfather of inequality research" and mentored Thomas Piketty, who later wrote the influential book "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" 💡 The book proposes 15 specific policy measures to reduce inequality, including a controversial suggestion for guaranteed public employment at minimum wage 🌍 Atkinson's research showed that income inequality in the UK fell significantly during both World Wars, challenging common assumptions about economic patterns during wartime 📊 The author developed what became known as the "Atkinson Index," a groundbreaking mathematical measure of economic inequality that considers society's aversion to inequality 🎓 Despite focusing on complex economic concepts, Atkinson deliberately wrote the book to be accessible to general readers, avoiding technical jargon and including practical, real-world examples