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The Distribution of Wealth
The Distribution of Wealth is the first book to provide a comprehensive treatment of the personal distribution of wealth. Michael Schneider uses data from fifteen countries to demonstrate how inequality in the distribution of wealth both varies between different parts of the world and changes over time, before going on to discuss why the distribution of wealth is unequal, whether it should be unequal, and how it could be changed.
Awarded Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2005
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Critical Acclaim
Contributors
Contents
More Information
The Distribution of Wealth is the first book to provide a comprehensive treatment of the personal distribution of wealth. Michael Schneider uses data from fifteen countries to demonstrate how inequality in the distribution of wealth both varies between different parts of the world and changes over time, before going on to discuss why the distribution of wealth is unequal, whether it should be unequal, and how it could be changed. The book focuses on:
• alternative ways of measuring the degree to which distribution is unequal
• assessment of the relative importance of the various determinants of the distribution of wealth
• comparison of the distributions implied by alternative views of society
• discussion of means by which the distribution of wealth could be altered, and of whether or not a redistribution in a less unequal direction would in time reduce the amount of wealth available to be distributed.
This book will be valued and read with interest by economists, particularly those in the fields of welfare economics, distribution theory, heterodox economics and the history of economic thought, as well as sociologists, political scientists and philosophers.
• alternative ways of measuring the degree to which distribution is unequal
• assessment of the relative importance of the various determinants of the distribution of wealth
• comparison of the distributions implied by alternative views of society
• discussion of means by which the distribution of wealth could be altered, and of whether or not a redistribution in a less unequal direction would in time reduce the amount of wealth available to be distributed.
This book will be valued and read with interest by economists, particularly those in the fields of welfare economics, distribution theory, heterodox economics and the history of economic thought, as well as sociologists, political scientists and philosophers.
Critical Acclaim
‘For students of the distribution of wealth, the book is certainly useful in that it contains a broad, informative overview of studies in this field and methods used. It is written in a clear style and, on the whole, well-argued.’
– Nico Wilterdink, Journal of Income Distribution
‘This well-researched and accessible book is a good introduction to an important subject.’
– Citizen’s Income
‘The breadth of the author’s reading is exceptional. He reviews literature about capitalist, communal, and transitional societies, and from neoclassical and Keynesian perspectives. . . This book is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the topic. Highly recommended.’
– R.S. Rycroft, Choice
‘. . . reading this manuscript made me think again about why we feel the distribution of wealth is special and worth attention. . .’
– Jim Davies, University of Wester Ontario, Canada
– Nico Wilterdink, Journal of Income Distribution
‘This well-researched and accessible book is a good introduction to an important subject.’
– Citizen’s Income
‘The breadth of the author’s reading is exceptional. He reviews literature about capitalist, communal, and transitional societies, and from neoclassical and Keynesian perspectives. . . This book is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the topic. Highly recommended.’
– R.S. Rycroft, Choice
‘. . . reading this manuscript made me think again about why we feel the distribution of wealth is special and worth attention. . .’
– Jim Davies, University of Wester Ontario, Canada
Contributors
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Measuring Inequality in the Distribution of Wealth 3. Empirical Studies of the Distribution of Wealth 4. Determinants of the Distribution of Wealth 5. Ranking Alternative Distributions of Wealth 6. How to Change the Distribution of Wealth 7. Equality versus Affluence? 8. Conclusion Bibliography Index