The Inequality Trap: Fighting Capitalism Instead of Poverty

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.

Author: William Watson
Publisher: University of Toronto Press
Published: 09/16/2015
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.30w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781442637245

Review Citation(s):
New York Times Book Review 12/20/2015 pg. 27
Choice 03/01/2016

About the Author
Watson, William: - 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.

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