Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Business & Economics Theory

The Inequality Trap

Fighting Capitalism Instead of Poverty

by (author) William Watson

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Sep 2015
Category
Theory, General, Government & Business, Social Services & Welfare
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781442637245
    Publish Date
    Sep 2015
    List Price
    $45.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442624955
    Publish Date
    Sep 2015
    List Price
    $35.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

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 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.

William Watson's profile page

Editorial Reviews

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

The New York Times Sunday Book Review, December 20, 2015

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

Choice Magazine vol 53:07:2016

Related lists