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Inequality
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24/09/2012
Welfare states ‘reduce inequality growth’
Welfare states have reduced the recent growth in income inequality by around two-thirds through benefit systems and social transfers, according to new study. In contrast, tax systems over the period examined actually contributed to greater inequality.
The paper investigates income distribution and redistribution attributed to social transfers and taxes across 20 developed countries from around 1985 to the mid-2000s, based on household income data from the Luxembourg Income Study. It differs from earlier studies in that the total population is taken into consideration, instead of just those of working age.
Category: Reports -
17/09/2012
Rising profits linked to inequality and poverty
A rise in the share of national income taken by profits is linked to a rise in income inequality and poverty, says a new research study for the United Nations. The main contributory factors are policies that promote economic 'liberalisation' and deregulation, and in general the 'slow erosion' of the welfare state.
The study draws on high-quality and homogeneous datasets for 26 developed countries (compiled by the United Nations and the OECD), together with secondary sources.
Category: Reports -
13/09/2012
Income inequality ‘causing economic stagnation’
Income inequality is one of the main culprits behind continuing economic stagnation in the USA, Europe and throughout the world, according to a United Nations report. It says reducing inequality through fiscal and incomes policies is key to promoting economic growth and development.
Category: Reports -
12/09/2012
One in five children in USA living in poverty
More than one in five children in the USA are living in poverty, according to new figures released by the official Census Bureau. The report also reveals growing inequality between 2010 and 2011, and a decline in median household income.
Category: Reports -
11/09/2012
Poor Britain
In Poor Britain (1985) Joanna Mack and Stewart Lansley set out the ‘consensual’ approach to poverty pioneered in the 1983 Breadline Britain survey. They introduce the concept of ‘socially perceived necessities’ and distinguish between those who lack necessities from choice and those who can’t afford them. They define poverty as ‘an enforced lack of socially perceived necessities’. Poor Britain is now out of print but you can download this influential book by clicking on the links below. We have provided both the full book, 324 pages, as one PDF, and each chapter and appendices as separate PDFs for download.
Copyright remains with J.H. Mack and S. Lansley. Please cite ‘J. Mack and S. Lansley (1985) Poor Britain, London, George Allen & Unwin’ if quoting from this book.
Poor Britain: whole book
Category: -
07/09/2012
Why equality matters
The fight against inequality must become a much higher political priority, according to a report published by a new think tank, the Centre for Labour and Social Studies. It highlights evidence showing that most social problems are worse in more unequal societies, and that inequality lies at their root. It says inequality has also played a significant role in the global economic crisis.
The report summarises a wide range of research on the effects of inequality, drawing in particular on the books The Spirit Level: Why Equality Is Better for Everyone (by Professors Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett) and The Cost of Inequality: Three Decades of the Super-rich and the Economy (by Stewart Lansley).
Category: Reports -
29/08/2012
Explaining trends in income inequality
Why has the trend in income inequality been relatively flat over the last two decades, even though earnings inequality has continued to increase? Essex University academics have sought to answer this question by 'decomposing' the data on recent trends – allowing them to identify the contribution from different factors such as income sources and household characteristics.
The study concludes that four key factors have mitigated the effect of growing earnings inequality:
Category: Reports -
25/08/2012
Inequality ‘reduces happiness’
Social inequality reduces people’s sense of happiness in Western societies, according to a new study.
Researchers reviewed the available evidence from national surveys of self-reported happiness, and looked at the relationship between happiness and levels of inequality – drawing a distinction between the results for Western and non-Western societies.
Category: Reports -
25/08/2012
Young people’s perspectives on economic inequality
Young people use both ‘neo-liberal’ and egalitarian ideas when describing their attitudes to economic inequality, according to a new study.
The Reading University research drew on a series of group interviews with a total of 110 young people aged between 11 and 16 across eight schools in the south east of England.
Category: Reports -
22/08/2012
Welfare services ‘less effective’ than cash benefits in reducing inequality and poverty
Welfare services help to reduce inequality and poverty in European countries, according to a new study. But they are not as effective as cash benefits.
Researchers examined the impact of welfare services, such as education and healthcare, on inequality and poverty in 21 EU countries, by reference to a hypothetical situation in which no publicly provided services existed.
Category: Reports
