Is Inequality the Problem?

by Lane Kenworthy

This book draws from a vast trove of research on the rich democracies to argue that while inequality is normatively a problem and we should therefore work to reduce it, the evidence from wealthier countries does not show that income inequality has contributed much at all to the other social ills it is associated declines in living standards, worse health outcomes, reductions in happiness, less opportunity, and diminished democracy. Instead of trying to repair these ills indirectly via a reduction in economic inequality, policy makers are more likely to make progress by pursuing these goals directly. This contrarian yet balanced account of one of the main social problems of our era will reshape our understanding of how rising economic inequality has affected societies in the industrialized world.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Sociology

176 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Abby]

Is fighting inequality directly the most effective strategy to improve social ills, such as decreasing longevity, living standards, health, and happiness? Lane Kenworthy argues that policy makers would be better off directly addressing social ills instead of directly addressing inequality. Kenworthy draws upon scholarship on rich democracies to argue that inequality, while harmful to an extent, has not significantly contributed to social ills. To be clear, Kenworthy isn’t arguing that inequality is unimportant; rather, inequality reduction should be a secondary goal to the more effective strategy of directly addressing social ills. This book is geared toward academics and policy makers, but the content is relevant to all who seek to critically examine their assumptions on how to best address inequality.

[Ligia Bonetti]

Overall this book reaffirms that the real measure of a successful society is not how small the distance is between those who have the most and those who have the least, but whether those who have the least are steadily gaining the capabilities, opportunities and security to build better lives. I believe this distinction is powerful. The objective should not simply be to redistribute prosperity, but to broaden people’s capacity to participate in it. Inequality deserves attention, but poverty, lack of opportunity and weak public services deserve even more.