Wealth Inequality

This chapter argues for wealth to be a central lens through which to understand persistent inequality. It surveys the distributions of wealth, with a focus on the global South, where wealth inequality studies are less common but arguably of vital importance. It shows that wealth inequality is highly concentrated. Further, this chapter shows that for the complex nature of wealth inequality to be understood, a multi- and interdisciplinary approach is necessary, and so it surveys research from various disciplines and theoretical frameworks to demonstrate the complex dynamics that result in high and persistent wealth inequality. More systematic research is needed, and this chapter aims to stimulate this.