Whither inequality?

This article reviews the overarching phenomenon of inequality presented in three prominent books: Jon D. Wisman’s The Origins and Dynamics of Inequality, Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s The Inner Level, and Thomas Piketty’s A Brief History of Equality. The review assesses inequality through biology, as Wisman emphasizes, and it elaborates on the possibility of lowering inequality through socially democratic policies, as Piketty proclaims. It also indicates that previous years’ inequality levels may shape future social, political, and economic development paths, per Wilkinson and Pickett’s discourse. Wisman’s book focuses on three dynamics behind inequality: biology, ideology, and politics, considering biology ahead of the latter two. Piketty’s piece provides examples of how equality can be achieved through progressive taxation and the welfare state. Lastly, epidemiologists Wilkinson and Pickett demonstrate inequality is the mother of all evil as inevitable socioeconomic obstacles ensue due to inequality. The review is completed by comparing the arguments of the three books.