Inequality: Facts and Values

Here’s a tempting argument: Income inequality is rising, and its rise means something is wrong with our society. To fix that problem, we should adopt more redistributive policies that will correct for income inequality.

In this month’s issue of Cato Unbound, our very own Will Wilkinson challenges this tempting argument from start to finish. Income inequality is less important than we think, it has changed less than we think, and redistributing income probably won’t fix any of the underlying problems that might cause income inequality.

These questions sit at the intersection of sociology, economics, and ethics, and so we’ve invited an expert in each. Respectively, they are Lane Kenworthy of the University of Arizona, John V.C. Nye of George Mason University, and Elizabeth Anderson of the University of Michigan.

As always, Cato Unbound readers are encouraged to take up our themes, and enter into the conversation on their own websites and blogs, or on other venues. Trackbacks are enabled. Cato Unbound will search the web for the best commentary on our monthly topic, and, with permission, may publish it alongside our invited contributors. We also welcome your letters. (Send them to jkuznicki at cato.org.)